Howard Kurtz Departs CNN for Fox News Channel

Howard Kurtz is going to Fox News Channel. The cable network announced Thursday that CNN’s Reliable Sources host will now anchor a new weekend program, starting July 1.

Kurtz, a veteran media reporter, recently earned a great deal of flack — and subsequently departed his job as Daily Beast Washington bureau chief — when an article he published on the Tina Brown outlet suggested that NBA player Jason Collins wasn’t telling the whole truth when he came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated story. Though his status at CNN remained unchanged, many had expected some movement.

VIDEO: Howard Kurtz Apologizes to Jason Collins on CNN’s ‘Reliable Sources’

“Howie is the most accomplished media reporter in the country,” said FNC’s evp of news, Michael Clemente. “He’s also a master of social media trends, information good and bad, and a veteran political reporter. Altogether, he will add even greater depth to a very accomplished team of reporters and anchors.”

In addition to serving as an on-air analyst across the network, Kurtz’s main charge will be to anchor a version of what is now called Fox News Watch. The new format will continue to focus on the media and air during the weekends. The deal also has Kurtz writing a regular column for FoxNews.com.

“I’m excited to be bringing my independent brand of media criticism to Fox News,” said Kurtz. “I want to thank CNN for giving me such a prime opportunity over the years and was tempted to continue, but the chance to create a revamped program and establish a strong online presence was too good to pass up. I hope to add a new dimension to Fox’s coverage and have some fun while diving into the passionate debates about the press and politics.”

Kurtz has been hosting Reliable Sources on CNN since 1998. His last day with the network will be June 30, and his departure marks another old guard exit under the new Jeff Zucker regime.

“Howie Kurtz has served as host of Reliable Sources for 15 years, developing it into a leading source for commentary and critique on the media,” read a CNN statement. “We thank him for all his contributions to CNN, and wish him all the best in this new opportunity.  Reliable Sources will continue on CNN, and will be hosted by a variety of people in the coming months.”

Fox News Watch’s current anchor, Jon Scott, will move to the specials unit where he will serve as anchor.