Former NBC boss Jeff Zucker named president, CNN Worldwide

Former NBC boss Jeff Zucker has been named as president of news broadcaster CNN Worldwide.

From January 2013, Zucker will be responsible for 23 news channels in the US and around the world. He will report to Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting System and will be based in New York.

Previously, Zucker was president and chief executive of NBC Universal Television Group. He started as a researcher in NBC’s sports division and made his name at the broadcaster as executive producer of news show Today.

CNN reaches 100 million households in the US and 265 million internationally and airs series including Anderson Cooper 360, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Piers Morgan as well as a number of documentaries.

“Jeff’s experience as a news executive is unmatched for its breadth and success,” said Kent. “He built and sustained the number-one brand in morning news, and under his watch NBC’s signature news programming set a standard for quality and professionalism. As a programmer, a brand-builder and a leader, he will bring energy and new thinking to CNN. I couldn’t be happier to welcome him or more excited about what he’ll accomplish here.”

“I am thrilled to join the distinguished team of journalists across the worldwide platforms of CNN,” said Zucker. “The global reach and scale of the CNN brand is unparalleled in all of news. Outside of my family and the Miami Dolphins, there is nothing I am as passionate about as journalism. I spent the most rewarding years of my career as a journalist, and it’s where I look forward to spending many more. I am grateful to Phil Kent for this opportunity, and I’m excited to return to daily newsgathering and compelling storytelling in a place that values those above all else.”