John Avlon Joining CNN Full-Time


CNN has announced that John Avlon will expand his duties at the news organization and now be a full-time political analyst and substitute anchor. Noah Shachtman, who currently serves as executive editor of The Daily Beast, will assume the editor-in-chief position with Avlon’s departure.

The Washington Post’s Erik Wemple first reported the news of Shachtman and Avlon’s new positions.

“I’ve loved leading The Daily Beast newsroom, but after five years, it’s time for a new challenge,” John Avlon said in a CNN release. “I am looking forward to joining CNN full time and becoming part of such a great independent global news organization.  This is the best time to be a journalist, and the work CNN does to put ‘facts first’ is more important than ever before. I am thrilled to have this opportunity.”

In a statement to Wemple, Avlon said, “The past 10 years have been an incredible journey and I’ve loved every moment of leading The Beast, but it’s time for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to joining CNN full-time as a senior political analyst and anchor while I also embark on my next book, Lincoln’s Farewell. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built, or the hungry, passionate team of reporters who are the heart and soul of The Beast.”

Avlon has been a CNN analyst since 2010 and regularly appears on CNN Tonight and New Day (oftentimes alongside his wife, fellow CNN analyst Margaret Hoover). In early April, Avlon was effectively a third anchor of sorts on the morning program appearing for the three hours at the desk. Following Michaela Pereira’s departure, New Day has only had two anchors. CNN’s press release about Avlon’s arrival stated that he will have a daily presence on New Day. CNN did not answer questions about his role and whether or not he will be considered an anchor.

Avlon’s role at CNN becomes effective on June 25.


About Tyler

Tyler is the chief media reporter for TKNN, with the news organization since its founding in November of 2010. He has previously served as chief political reporter and chief political anchor for TKNN.

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