Change is in the air at CNN. On Thursday, April 27, the network announced a major shakeup in its weekday lineup, signaling a fresh start. As part of this shift, it was revealed that John King is stepping back from his role as host of Inside Politics. Though John is no longer at the helm of the show, he remains an integral part of the CNN team. Scroll down to learn more about his new role and who's taking over his position.
Is John King Departing CNN?
Back in 2014, John King took the reins of Inside Politics, a show that originally aired from 1992 to 2005. During its original run, the program featured a rotating cast of hosts, including legends like Catherine Crier, Bernard Shaw, and Judy Woodruff. With decades of experience under his belt as a key figure in the CNN newsroom, covering presidential elections, John was the ideal choice to revive this iconic show.
But don’t worry—John King isn’t leaving CNN altogether. Instead, he’s embracing a new chapter in his career. John will now focus on reporting, particularly on the 2024 presidential election. This is an opportunity he’s been eagerly anticipating.
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"This is my ‘back to the future’ dream assignment," John shared in a statement. "It's my tenth presidential cycle, and with everything at stake, I felt it was the right time to return to my roots and report from across the country." John's passion for journalism and his commitment to covering the stories that matter most shine through in this new role.
In addition to his impressive career, John has been open about his personal challenges. In recent years, he's spoken publicly about his battle with multiple sclerosis, a disease he was diagnosed with over 13 years ago. Despite the challenges, John remains resilient.
"One of the reasons I’ve been hesitant to talk publicly about this is because I worry, ‘There’s that guy on TV. He has MS. He’s fine. It must not be a big deal,'" John confided to People in November 2021. "Multiple sclerosis can be cruel to those who experience aggressive, progressive forms of the disease. It can take someone from dancing to needing a wheelchair in just months. It’s devastating. It affects every moment of my life. But I’m incredibly fortunate because my case isn’t aggressive, and I have access to great doctors and medical care."
Who’s Taking Over ‘Inside Politics’?
Enter Dana Bash, a seasoned journalist and former spouse of John King (they were married from 2008 to 2012 and share a son). Dana is set to take the reins of Inside Politics, marking a new era for the show. She’s thrilled about this exciting opportunity in her career.
"After nearly three decades at CNN, covering campaigns, Capitol Hill, and the White House, I’m thrilled to take the lead on a program dedicated to the politics that shape Americans' lives," Dana expressed in a statement. "John has built an extraordinary show that has attracted a dedicated audience of political enthusiasts, and I’m excited to guide it into its next phase."
