CNN plans new afternoon lineup

CNN plans to replace its afternoon programming with a three-hour block of news anchored by veteran newsman Wolf Blitzer, a move that will shift production resources from the network’s Atlanta headquarters to its Washington bureau. Set to launch this summer, the new afternoon block will replace the last half hour of “Live From,” along with “Inside Politics,” “Crossfire” and “Wolf Blitzer Reports.”

In an internal memo to employees, CNN/US President Jonathan Klein said the new program “will showcase all of the talent that we’ve got covering politics, business, national security, homeland security and world affairs.” Klein also announced plans to begin airing a simulcast of CNN International’s “Your World Today” from noon to 1 p.m. every day.

The new format was unveiled just two weeks after “Inside Politics” anchor Judy Woodruff said she is leaving CNN when her contract is up in June. Klein had previously announced his intention to cancel “Crossfire.”

--Matea Gold