Poppy Harlow leaving CNN | The Hill

News anchor Poppy Harlow is leaving CNN.

Mr Harlow, who has been with the network since 2008, said: Friday memo to colleagues She said she plans to spend more time with her family and will “continue to support the evolution of journalism in any way I can, while preserving the humanity of journalism.”

“I’m excited about what’s next and will continue to support CNN,” she said.

Harlow was tapped by former network CEO Chris Richt to host the revamped morning show alongside former host Don Lemon and fellow anchor Kaitlan Collins.

Mr. Collins was later chosen by Mr. Richt to host the network’s prime-time show when Mr. Lemon was fired last spring following a series of controversies. Licht was fired from CNN’s parent company last summer.

After Collins was transferred and Richt and Lemon left the network, Harlow co-hosted “CNN This Morning” with anchor Phil Mattingly.

“CNN This Morning” was canceled in February, and new network chief Mark Thompson installed Mattingly as chief national correspondent.

The station discussed the possibility of a new role with Harlow, but the anchor ultimately decided to step down.

“The nearly 20 years since have been a gift,” she wrote in an email to colleagues. “I was inspired by you and learned a lot from you. They will always be my dearest friends.”