Major Changes at CNN. Nelson Leaving, Matthews Moving, ‘More Than a Dozen’ Jobs Created

First on TVNewser: A shake-up announced today at CNN. Mark Nelson, who has overseen CNN Productions since 2005, is leaving the network while Atlanta-based head of live programming Scott Matthews leaves that position to head up a combined CNN Productions and Investigative unit. Matthews will remain in Atlanta, while the search is on for his replacement.

Additionally, CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein announced that Soledad O’Brien‘s “In America” franchise, which Nelson had overseen, will be expanded in 2010. The unit, will add “more than a dozen positions” writes Klein in an email to staff, obtained by TVNewser. That unit will be headed up by CNN’s SVP of current programming Bart Feder (pictured). Current CNN Productions staffers will have the first opportunity to apply for the positions.

Feder and Matthews joined CNN in January 2008.

A longtime-ABC News “Nightline” staffer, Nelson joined CNN in 2004 as the senior executive producer of “Paula Zahn Now.” In addition to his departure, Jody Gottlieb, CNN Productions’ Executive Director, is also leaving as a result of the restructuring.

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