Bob Costas Joins CNN As Substitute Host For Larry King

“Bob Costas, one of television’s most accomplished broadcasters and host of HBO’s Costas Now, joins CNN as a substitute host for Larry King Live,” the network announced today.

“Bob’s broad range of interests, his quick wit and his deft interview skills will engage viewers in the best King tradition,” Jon Klein said in an e-mail to staffers a few minutes ago. “We are delighted that he will be filling in for Larry from time to time and having him as part of the CNN team.”

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to sit in for Larry,” Costas says in the press release. “I’ve always enjoyed the long-form interview, and Larry’s program is synonymous with that television format.”

> Update: 10:30am: Larry King is under contract to CNN until 2009, but this move could be interpreted as the beginning of a “succession plan.” “I’d rather watch Bob Costas live than LKL or his usual sub: Nancy ‘YOU’RE GUILTY’ Grace,” an e-mailer says. “Hmmm. An NBC employee competing with MSNBC,” another person writes in…

> Update: 12:49pm: “What sort of contract does Costas have with NBC that allows him to go host on another network, even on a substitute basis, that competes with MSNBC?,” Inside Cable News wonders.

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