CNN: Larry King being replaced is not true

June 16, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

McClatchy Newspapers

NEW YORK

Despite several reports that CNN is poised to sign a deal with “America’s Got Talent” judge Piers Morgan to replace Larry King, people inside the network said there is no rush to pick a successor to King, who has another year left on his contract.

Rather, executives remain intently focused on developing a new show for the 8 p.m. time slot now that anchor Campbell Brown has decided to leave the network. CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein is strongly considering a political point-counterpoint show in the vein of “Crossfire,” which he canceled shortly after joining the network.

“Not surprisingly, there is no shortage of people who would love to succeed Larry King if and when he moves on, but rumors that we are close to signing a deal for a Larry King replacement are untrue,” said a CNN spokeswoman. “We are currently looking at replacing our 8 p.m. program, and that is our priority. Larry is a beloved member of the team, and he will continue to be part of the CNN family into the future.”