Michelle Jaconi, Former "Meet The Press" Producer, To Be John King's Executive Producer

Michelle Jaconi, a 12-year veteran of NBC News' "Meet the Press," is joining CNN as Executive Producer of "State of the Union with John King," CNN announced Wednesday.

Jaconi served as producer and political analyst for Tim Russert's "Meet the Press," and will be charged with building CNN's new politics show into a similar Sunday morning powerhouse.

"Michelle is a perfect fit for our team and our mission," John King said. "Her deep experience in smart and aggressive Sunday morning television speaks for itself. And her passion for making things relevant to the people who matter most - the families and communities outside Washington - is what we're looking for in this key leadership role."

"Joining CNN and State of the Union at this moment in history is an extraordinary opportunity," Jaconi said. "CNN is at the top of its game, and John is the best political reporter of his time. I'm honored to work with John and his team to reinvent Sunday morning news. It's the right time, the right network and the right reporter. "

CNN Political Director Sam Feist said he's counting on Michelle to land newsmaker interviews.

"Michelle, with her experience in landing and producing brilliant interviews, will help us leverage the resources of CNN's political team and newsgathering operation to create a program unlike any other," he said.

Comments

[learntofly]

Gregory and King both come across as lightweights that don't have the on-air personality to connect with viewers. There just has to be better 'talent' out there.

[midwestblues]

I find John King very run-of-the-mill. Nothing to write home about. There is nothing about him that will compel me to tune in. Surely there HAS to be better talent. Networks ... Keep Looking!

[TeriMcCarthy]

That is because MTP has become the worst Sunday morning show.

[mellene]

John King is going to need all the help he can get with his very right wing ideas openly viewed every time he's on a CNN program. Both he and his wife (Dana Bash) appear to be anything but neutral media. I hope he fails, unless he becomes more neutral in his rhetoric.

[subucni 1 1]

If Gregory were to be replaced I would vote for Chuck Todd.

[Yurdelite]

Puhleese. Chuck Todd is a featherweight in this game about as bad as Gregory. He is so out of place in the WH it is not even funny. All you need to do is check out his very first question to the president and that will tell you--enough said.

John King is a joke and so is his girlfriend Dana Bash. They know how to bash alright--they have to if they want to appear on Lou angry white man Dobbs.

[subucni 1 1]

While I do miss Russert and believe that he cannot be replaced I watched Gregory this past Sunday and I do still watch it I think he is beginning to find his groove.

[sebastiana]

I had the same impression. It seemed more like Gregory was in the moment (as they say) and actually listening to the progression of ideas. I'm not very optimistic about him, but I do hope he gets an adequate chance to develop ...

[kelvinstinks]

I can't blame her, I wouldn't want to work with David Gregory and watch the show take a dive either. Russert knew what he was doing and had a great show, Gregory was a very poor choice.

[justwaitandsee]

She did even want to work with DavidGregory A**

[wineandjazz]

It's unfortunate but true. The ratings on MTP are low ever since he took over. I guess it goes to show you that Tim cannot be replaced.

[mahatma301]

and that greogory lusts for s. palin wise losing big when he should be limp, eh?

[BronxRobb]

I agree with the masses that David Gregory is a really poor choice as host of Meet the Press, but is this story a big hint at why Meet the Press has been so lackluster?