Media

John Avlon joining CNN full-time, leaving Daily Beast

Daily Beast editor-in-chief John Avlon will join CNN on a full-time basis in June to serve as a senior political analyst while having a “daily presence” on CNN’s morning program, “New Day.”

Avlon, who succeeded Daily Beast founder Tina Brown in 2013 at the helm of the online publication, has been a CNN analyst since 2010 and has seen his on-air role grow in recent years.

“Avlon brings extensive digital experience to the network, and will work closely with CNN’s digital teams on original reporting and commentary,” CNN said in a statement announcing the move. “He will also lend his talents in an advisory role to the digital leadership team.”

{mosads}

Avlon said he has enjoyed his time at The Daily Beast but is ready for a “new challenge.”

“I’ve loved leading The Daily Beast newsroom, but after five years, it’s time for a new challenge. I am looking forward to joining CNN full time and becoming part of such a great independent global news organization,” Avlon said in a statement. “This is the best time to be a journalist, and the work CNN does to put ‘facts first’ is more important than ever before. I am thrilled to have this opportunity.”

Avlon is a former columnist for the New York Sun columnist, an author, and a former chief speechwriter for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

He is married to CNN contributor Margaret Hoover, the great-granddaughter of former President Hoover.

Avlon will begin his new role on June 25.

The Daily Beast named Noah Shachtman as Avlon’s replacement as editor-in-chief.

“I’m so humbled, so excited. It’s such an honor to become The Daily Beast’s third Editor in Chief,” Shachtman said in a statement. Shachtman had served as executive editor of the publication since 2014.