CNN: Bill Weir Won’t ‘Replace’ Piers Morgan

The hiring of ABC News Nightline anchor Bill Weir won’t have an immediate impact on Piers Morgan‘s 9 p.m. show. 

“Bill Weir was not brought to CNN to replace Piers Morgan,” a CNN spokesperson tells The Hollywood Reporter. 

Weir, who worked at ABC News since 2007, was named Friday by the network to be the chief innovation correspondent based in New York. He will start in November. 

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CNN president Jeff Zucker had stated that Weir “brings a unique storytelling style, perspective and sense of humor to CNN, and he will be a key player as we continue to expand our line-up.”

Upon word of Weir’s hiring, a Mediaite report fueled speculation that the anchor would take over at least some part of Morgan’s hour. 

A person with knowledge of the situation tells THR that an 11 p.m. late-night spot is possible but that Weir’s position is currently not set.

Morgan’s show, which replaced Larry King Live, has aired at 9 p.m ET since January 2011. 

The Piers Morgan Live host tweeted on Friday evening:

Welcome to the CNN family @BillWeirCNN – looking forward to you coming on my show! #Innovation

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 12, 2013