CNN has announced that they are adding a new bureau chief and correspondent to their Moscow bureau. The news organization cited the growing number of stories related to Russia as the reason for their personnel changes.
Nathan Hodge, the Moscow bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, is joining CNN as their new Moscow bureau chief. He had been the Moscow bureau chief for the Journal since 2015.
“The fact that CNN is doubling down on its commitment to Russia was a big factor in me taking on this role,” Hodge said in a statement. “I know Fred personally from working alongside him in Syria, and I have followed Matthew’s career for a long time; both are exceptional journalists, and the whole team at the Moscow bureau is formidable.”
“This is a crucial year for Russia, and the passion I have seen for the story at CNN makes me very excited about what’s ahead.”
CNN also announced that they are moving senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen to Moscow. Pleitgen is currently based in CNN’s London bureau, which serves as their main base of operations for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Pleitgen has reported from Russia several times over the past few years.
Matthew Chance, CNN’s primary Moscow correspondent, will remain based in Moscow. Aside from some brief time that he was in the London bureau, Chance has been mainly based in Moscow.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of Russia internationally, whether that pertains to its own upcoming elections, its alleged role in the recent US elections, or issues relating to Ukraine, Europe, China, Iran, and Syria,” CNN’s Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering, Deborah Rayner, said in a statement. “Vladimir Putin is a uniquely compelling figure, and his agenda at home and abroad is fascinating for audiences worldwide.”
“No one is better placed to tell those stories than Matthew and Fred, and we could not wish for a better person to head up our Moscow operation than Nathan.”