After the reassignment of Eric Hall to a new role on CNN’s late-night programs, CNN This Morning has reportedly found a new Executive Producer.
A report from The Hollywood Reporter claims Chris Russell is joining the network to oversee the fledgling program.
Currently the Executive Producer of On Balance with Leland Vittert on NewsNation, Russell previously worked as a producer at CBS News, working under CNN CEO Chris Licht during his tenure as the Executive Producer of CBS This Morning.
The hiring of a former CBS News co-worker falls in line with reporting that Licht has eyed CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King — who he once worked with — for a primetime role with the network.
Licht has also reportedly been interested in adding a comedian for a “late-night variety” program, similar to that of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which he was the Executive Producer of before joining CNN.
Russell steps into a role previously held by Hall. He piloted CNN This Morning for less than three months before being “reassigned” to the late-night window for the network.
A CNN spokesperson says “no offer has been made or accepted at this time” in regards to Chris Russell.
CNN This Morning has fallen well behind its cable morning show counterparts in the ratings. According to numbers released earlier this week, Fox and Friends saw 1.52 million viewers in the 8:00 AM window, with Morning Joe bringing in 830,000 viewers on MSNBC. Meanwhile, CNN This Morning saw 480,000 viewers in the same time slot.
