Chris Licht Joins CBS News as VP Programming

It's official -- Chris Licht has left MSNBC, where he was co-creator of Morning Joe, to join CBS News as vice president of programming.

CBS News chairman and 60 Minutes ep Jeff Fager and CBS News president David Rhodes announced Thursday that Licht will oversee programming and development for CBS News broadcasts beginning June 6.

“Chris is one of the most talented producers in this business, and it is great for CBS News that he is joining us,” says Fager. “He will be a significant partner in improving our existing broadcasts and developing new ones.”
 
“Chris is an innovator and we’re thrilled to have his talents here at CBS News,” adds Rhodes. “He’ll bring a fresh perspective to the news division which will excite colleagues and audiences—just as he did in cable news and local broadcasting.”
 
“It would take something extraordinary to pull me away from the great Morning Joe team,” says Licht. “I’m excited about the opportunity to become a part of the rich history at CBS News.”

It has been speculated in recent weeks that he could bring Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski with him to CBS to potentially join the net's beleaguered Early Show.

Thursday is Katie Couric's last day as anchor of the CBS Evening News. She will be replaced by Scott Pelley.

Lindsay.Powers@thr.com

Twitter: LKPE