Jake Tapper will leave ABC, where he has been the network’s chief White House correspondent since the 2008, and will be joining CNN to fill the same role.
Tapper’s decision to leave ABC was announced by ABC News president Ben Sherwood, who sent an email to staffers announcing that Jonathan Karl would become the new chief White House correspondent.
Sherwood also had good things to say about Jake Tapper, the Hollywood Reported noted .
“For years, Jake has set the pace for the White House press corps,” wrote Sherwood. “A ferocious reporter – and now a best-selling author – he has built a reputation as one of the most prolific and multi-talented journalists on the beat, scoring scoop after scoop.”
Tapper seemed to allude to CNN’s leadership changes as a factor in his decision to leave ABC. Former NBC News executive Jeff Zucker was named president of CNN Worldwide in January.
“With CNN’s impeccable reporting during the elections and the exciting changes in the works for the network, this is a perfect time to join the CNN team,” said Tapper. “I am excited about the prospect of working with both the new leadership and some old friends and colleagues.”
Tapper this year published his third book; The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor . Known as tenacious reporter, Tapper earned praise this week for aggressive questioning of President Obama at a press conference, Poynter noted. He’s even noted that he avoids voting so he can remain unbiased.
As Tapper leaves ABC, the network also has some more shuffling. Foreign affairs correspondent Martha Raddatz now gets the title of chief global affairs correspondent and will have an expanded role at ABC News that includes substitute anchor for George Stephanopoulos on Sunday public affairs program This Week .
