CNN has announced a new co-anchor for one of its daily programs. The cable news channel has hired ABC News correspondent John Berman, who has been a regular contributor to “Good Morning America,” to anchor the morning show “Early Start.”

Berman will also contribute reports to various other CNN programs, including “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”

In a statement, Ken Jautz, executive vice president of CNN, said: “We are so fortunate to have this talented and seasoned journalist join our morning show and become a regular presence on our air throughout the day. John is a skilled reporter with a passion and personality that shine through, whether he’s covering the political season or his beloved Red Sox.”

Mark Whitaker, CNN Worldwide executive vice president and managing editor, added: “John is an exceptional journalist who brings with him the perspective of having covered many of the last two decades’ most significant stories. His coverage of the past four presidential elections, experience as an embedded journalist in Iraq, on-site reporting during the 2006 war in Lebanon, plus his pop culture interest and acumen, make him a strong asset to our team."

Berman said: “It is a pleasure to join the prestigious global news leader CNN. I am looking forward to being a part of the morning team and to contributing across CNN’s lineup."

"Early Start" premiered Jan. 2, 2012, with hosts Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida Sambolin. It airs daily from 5-7 a.m. ET.