'John King, USA' to launch March 22 on CNN in Lou Dobbs' former time slot

CNN announced Friday that John King’s new 4 p.m. PST show will launch March 22 under the name “John King, USA,” a nod to the anchor’s intentions to broaden the focus beyond Washington. King recently visited all 50 states in 50 weeks for “State of the Union,” the CNN Sunday show he anchored until last month, when the network tapped Candy Crowley as his successor. In his new time slot, King is taking the spot once occupied by Lou Dobbs, who abruptly left the network in November.

King, who gained prominence during the 2008 campaign as an adept user of CNN’s “Magic Wall,” is already working to incorporate new media into his show. He tweeted clues about the name of the program and plans to webcast the final rehearsal before the launch on CNN.com on March 19.

-- Matea Gold

Comments

[Hank Essay]

Yet another snoozefest.....

[GregB]

Will his opening night feature a Wolf Blitzer like chyron declaring the US Department of Justice to be:

Department of Jihad!

The Peter Principle is almost up to full wank at CNN.

[LosGatosCA]

This is most definitely good news for Republicans.

[wagonjak]

King is the most unctuous, pompous, self-important blatherer on cable TV today...I will pass on this one, just like I did with Dobbs.

[Janelle]

I will miss John King on Sunday mornings. His replacement lacks respect, fairness and knowledge about her guests. King is a boost for the afternoons, but I'm working during that time. Thus - I will lose touch with the Mr. King.