UPDATED:CNNWorldwide CEOChris Lichtconfirmed thatKaitlan Collinswould be taking over the 9 p.m.
ET primetime slot, filling a major hole in the web connection schedule as it faces sagging ratings.
Licht has defended the town hall decision, as well as Collins performance.
CNN
Collins will start in June, with the official launch later in the summer.
Licht has been a big booster of Collins since he became CEO of the connection a year ago.
She is a smart and gifted journalist who weve all seen hold lawmakers and newsmakers accountable.
Poppy Harlow will continue to co-anchor with a rotating series of guest anchors.
On Friday, the online grid found itself in fourth place among news channel rivals, behind Newsmax.
CNN did win the night last Wednesday as it aired the town hall event.
A jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the case brought by E. Jean Carroll.
One clip showed Collins asking Trump a question during the event.
Licht told advertisers CNN continues to prioritize reporting over punditry to separate the news from the noise.
It has a commitment to topics that matter to real people.
… this broad range of essential information is always on display.
CNN has a commitment to delivering the news truthfully, transparently and without fear or favor, he said.
Advertisers got a brief preview of the show at the upfront, emphasizing King and Barkleys personalities and notoriety.
What was shown as a slimmer typeface, a change from the bolder chyrons.
Its clean, modern and very easy to look at, Licht said.
