Ana Cabrera, who has risen steadily since joining CNN in 2013, is leaving the news outlet.
The anchor, who currently anchors CNN’s 1 p.m. hour, confirmed a recent report that she intends to leave the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet to seek new professional challenges.
“My heart is full of gratitude for the incredible opportunities I’ve had at CNN to serve our viewers and to work alongside extraordinary journalists. CNN has been like a family. I love my colleagues and believe in the mission of the organization,” Cabrera said in a statement provided to Variety. “But after nearly a decade at CNN, I’m making the personal decision to explore a new professional chapter. Time to embrace new challenges and opportunities. I’m firmly committed to my work as a journalist in the next stage of my career. But for now, I look forward to hitting pause and spending some extra time with my family.”
She is not believed to have a new contract with any employer, but is widely expected to surface at NBCUniversal after sitting out a non-compete period, according to three people familiar with the matter. One potential landing spot: The 11 a.m. hour at MSNBC, which has been without a permanent anchor since Craig Melvin opted to focus more intently on his duties at NBC’s “Today.”
NBC News declined to make executives available for comment. CNN declined to make Cabrera available for comment.