CBS reporter jumps to CNN

CBS News White House correspondent John Roberts is leaving the broadcast network for CNN, it has been announced.

Roberts had at one time been seen as the natural successor to Dan Rather for the CBS Evening News anchor chair; however, rumours are flying that the network is seeking to poach Katie Couric from NBC for the position.

"As part of CNN’s commitment to providing viewers with more context on stories that really matter out of Washington, John will go beyond the daily news to deliver in-depth and enterprising reports on a broad range of important topics," said CNN/US president Jon Klein. "John is one of the most accomplished broadcasters in the business. By giving him the freedom to report beyond the halls of the White House, he will be able to dig deeper into the political stories that have been breaking around the nation’s capital and beyond."

Roberts will begin his new job at CNN on February 20.

"I am tremendously energized and excited by the opportunity to join an organisation that time and time again has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to rock-solid journalism, a dedication that has rightly earned CNN recognition as the global leader in news coverage," said Roberts.