CNN Names Christine Romans ‘Early Start’ Co-Anchor

CNN Monday named its chief business correspondent Christine Romans as co-anchor of its early morning news program Early Start.

Romans, host of CNN’s Your Money, will join co-anchor John Berman on the show, which airs daily from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., said network officials. “Given the audience’s interest in business news as the day begins, and markets across the globe have been open for hours, Christine will add a great dimension to the program that starts CNN’s programming day,” said Jeff Zucker, President, CNN Worldwide in a statement. “Plus, Christine’s fantastic rapport with John makes this a dynamic team for America to wake up to.”

The network also announced the addition of on-air correspondent Victor Blackwell and HLN anchor Christi Paul as co-anchors of the network’s weekend morning program New Day Weekend. Blackwell joined CNN in August 2012 as an anchor and correspondent. Paul, who joined HLN in 2003, will continue anchoring for HLN during the week, said the network.

“Victor and Christi have proven that they are consummate journalists and anchors,” said Zucker. “In expanding their roles, CNN is fortunate to have their depth of knowledge and breadth of experience to tell the compelling stories that people expect from CNN. Victor has been sitting in this seat for many months now, and we are thrilled to make this role official, and excited to pair him with Christi.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.