CNN has tapped into the ESPN talent pool to find an anchor for its new weekend sports program. The cable news channel announced that it has hired veteran ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols to anchor the show along with reporting for CNN and Turner Sports across TV and digital platforms.

Jeff Zucker, president, CNN Worldwide, and David Levy, president, Sales, Distribution & Sports, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., made the announcement today.

“Nichols will serve as a sports reporter for CNN and Turner Sports and will anchor a new weekend sports program on CNN/U.S. beginning later this year,” the company said in its announcement. “Her CNN program will focus on the most interesting stories and personalities in the world of sports. In her role with Turner Sports, Nichols will handle a wide variety of assignments across the division’s vast sports properties including the NBA and Major League Baseball. Additionally, Nichols will cover all major sporting events, including the Olympics for CNN. Her first assignment will be the Super Bowl in New Orleans.”

Said Zucker: “We’re just thrilled that a sports journalist of Rachel’s stature and expertise will now be a regular part of the CNN lineup. Her arrival, beginning next week, is an important step in expanding the range of programming and storytelling on CNN."

Rachel Nichols