Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Piers Morgan confirmed as the new face of CNN

Lewis Smith
Wednesday 08 September 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments
(AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

One of the worst-kept secrets in broadcasting has been made official with the announcement by CNN that it is to replace Larry King with Piers Morgan.

The former editor of the Daily Mirror newspaper, who was sacked for running faked pictures of an Iraqi being abused by British troops, is reputed to have signed a contract worth more than £5.5m.

Mr Morgan said it was a dream come true to take Mr King's place: "I have watched Larry King Live for much of the last 25 years, and dreamed of one day filling the legendary suspenders of the man I consider to be the greatest TV interviewer of them all," he said.

It remains unclear whether he will be allowed to continue as a judge in Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent, especially as the US version is broadcast by rival channel NBC.

Mr Morgan is mainly known in the US for reality television, but CNN said he was also a hugely experienced journalist. "Piers has made his name posing tough questions to public figures, holding them accountable for their words and deeds," said Jon Klein, CNN's president.

Mr Morgan made his name as a showbiz reporter for The Sun, where he ran the Bizarre column. He left to be editor of the News of the World at the age of 28.

He is scheduled to go on air in January as part of a shake-up at CNN, designed to regain ground lost to Fox News and MSNBC. Mr King announced he is to leave after his show suffered a 36 per cent slump in viewers. During his career he is thought to have conducted more than 40,000 interviews.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in