ABC News’ chief White House correspondent Jake Tapper will depart the network for a new role at CNN, where he’ll work as an anchor and the chief Washington correspondent, both networks announced today. “For years, Jake has set the pace for the White House press corps,” said ABC News president Ben 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’s new boss Ken Jautz added, “We are thrilled to have Jake join CNN and take the helm of a brand new weekday program,” the details of which are forthcoming. The brand-name reporter is the first big get for new CNN president Jeff Zucker, who’s been charged with revitalizing the lagging network. In addition to his recent position atop the White House reporter heap, Tapper authored Body Slam: The Jesse Ventura Story, along with something unpublished called The Guy-ble, and once wrote about his date with Monica Lewinsky.
