Erin Burnett In Talks to Join CNN

By Alex Weprin on April 28, 2011 8:58 AM

CNBC anchor Erin Burnett is in talks to join CNN, someone familiar with the situation confirms to TVNewser. Burnett’s contract with CNBC expires in May, giving her the opportunity to jump ship.

The news was first reported by Brian Stelter of the New York Times, who adds additional context:

Ms. Burnett, who was considered a rising star within CNBC and its parent, NBCUniversal Media, held talks with two broadcast networks, ABC and CBS, before deciding to join CNN, according to two of the people. They insisted on anonymity because the deal had not been made public.

As Stelter notes, moving to CNN would give Burnett a higher profile, as well as the opportunity to cover more than just financial news. Burnett has been with CNBC since 2005, and before that worked on Wall Street and Bloomberg TV.

It is unclear where Burnett would anchor at CNN. Rumors of changes at 7 PM and 8 PM have been floated in recent months, but so far no announcement has been made. She could also be slotted into a program in the afternoon.

Earlier this month CNBC hired away Fox Business Network anchor Brian Sullivan. Sullivan could step in and fill at least some of the slots currently filled by Burnett, assuming she ends up leaving the channel.