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Jake Tapper this fall will host CNN’s nightly 9 p.m. primetime TV broadcast –the coveted slot formerly occupied by the disgraced Chris Cuomo — in the biggest change at the all-news cable network since its new CEO Chris Licht assumed the helm months ago.
According to a Thursday announcement by the network, Tapper will host a one-hour show at 9 p.m. beginning Oct. 10 and through the midterm elections in early November.
While the network says that the move is temporary, it is likely that Tapper would be offered the permanent slot if ratings for his show warrant such a move, according to reports.
“The world has come to rely on Jake’s no-nonsense approach to covering the news, especially during high-stakes election cycles,” Licht told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday.
Licht praised Tapper, the former White House correspondent, for his “tough reporting, smart analysis and consequential interviews as our audiences navigate the myriad of issues at stake in the midterms.”
Cuomo was axed by CNN late last year after it was revealed that he helped his brother, the scandal-tarred New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, craft communications strategy in the waning days of his administration.
The former “Cuomo Prime Time” star took a hiatus before launching his own podcast and joining all-news cable competitor NewsNation.
In a press release, CNN said it will also move anchor Alisyn Camerota and legal analyst Laura Coates into the 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. hours which was once hosted by Don Lemon.
Last week, CNN shook up its morning lineup by announcing that Lemon, White House reporter Kaitlan Collins, and anchor Poppy Harlow would form the new morning team, replacing current “New Day” hosts John Berman and Brianna Keilar.
Lemon, whose late-night show struggled to generate strong ratings, said last week that he viewed his reassignment as a “promotion” — even though his two-hour soiree was axed.
Berman and Keilar will take Tapper’s spot as host of “The Lead” from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. while veteran political anchor Wolf Blitzer will remain as host of “The Situation Room” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Erin Burnett will continue to helm the 7 p.m. hour while Anderson Cooper is staying put as host “AC360” beginning at 8 p.m.
“By adding the insights, experience and strong voices of Alisyn and Laura, we will advance and expand on that coverage, creating something complimentary and compelling in primetime,” Licht said of Camerota and Coates.
The old lineup will remain in place until Oct. 7 before the new changes take effect.
CNN has been plagued by moribund ratings. The network has consistently come in third place behind ratings champion Fox News and runner-up MSNBC.
Fox News is owned by the Fox Corporation — the sister company of The Post’s corporate parent, News Corp.
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