Jake Tapper leaves ABC, The Hollywood Reporter has informed us. The network’s White House correspondent will be leaving to join CNN, where he will become their own chief Washington correspondent.

Tapper will also be hosting a weekday program on CNN. The move marks the end of four years as the White House link at ABC, where he has worked since the 2008 political elections. Tapper was also sent to cover Obama’s campaign during the 2012 elections.

The news of Tapper’s departure was broken by ABC’s president Ben Sherwood, who sent an email to the network’s staffers yesterday (December 20, 2012). The email also announced that Jonathan Karl would be promoted to the slot left vacant by Jake’s departure. “For years, Jake has set the pace for the White House press corps," the email read. "A ferocious reporter – and now a best-selling author - he has built a reputation as one of the most prolific and multi-talented journalists on the beat, scoring scoop after scoop.”

Despite having said that he “couldn’t be happier at ABC, it has been rumoured that CNN were courting Tapper some months ago. In a statement about his recent appointment, he revealed “With CNN’s impeccable reporting during the elections and the exciting changes in the works for the network, this is a perfect time to join the CNN team,” referring to Jeff Zucker’s recent appointment as president of CNN worldwide. “I am excited about the prospect of working with both the new leadership and some old friends and colleagues.