Tom Bettag Tapped For CNN's 'State Of The Union'

Will serve as senior executive producer for Sunday morning program

By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/12/2010 1:34:35 PM

Tom Bettag is the new senior executive producer of CNN's State of the Union with Candy Crowley, the network announced Feb. 12.  

"Adding such a renowned producer as Tom to CNN's lineup further reflects the network's commitment to serious journalism," David Bohrman, senior VP of programming and Washington bureau chief, said in a statement.   "Candy now will be a member of a very exclusive team of greats-such as Ted Koppel and Dan Rather-who have had the opportunity to work with Tom."

Bettag is a veteran of ABC News, where he was last Ted Koppel's producer on Nightline. He left the network with Koppel in 2005, when ABC News redesigned the show with a three anchor format. The duo went to Discovery where they produced documentaries, but that contract ended in 2008, six months early.

Bettag also served as the executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.

Bettag will also have oversight of Howard Kurtz's Reliable Sources, with now airs at 11 a.m. after SOTU  at 9 a.m. and Fareed Zakaria GPS at 10 a.m. An updated edition of SOTU airs at noon.

 "For years, Candy has been one of my favorite reporters. She's not only tough and fair, but also brings a breath of fresh air to Sunday morning talk. I look forward to joining Candy and the team," said Bettag in a statement. "And I'm thrilled to be part of, what I consider, to be the preeminent news organization in the country."

Crowley officially took over from John King Feb. 7. King's new primetime show is expected to bow soon. Michelle Jaconi, the former executive producer of SOTU, left the program to helm King's new program, a political hour airing weeknights at 7, in Lou Dobbs' old time slot.