LOS ANGELES (January 25, 2013)--ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols is leaving to work for CNN and Turner Sports, the companies said.

Nichols will anchor a new weekend CNN sports program beginning later this year, and will report on a wide range of sports, the announcement said.

Nichols' hiring comes as new CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker puts his stamp on the struggling U.S. news channel, which he's promised to make more "vibrant and exciting."

Nichols will be an important part of expanding CNN's programming, the former NBC Universal chief said.

Nichols, who worked at ESPN for nine years, said she "couldn't be more excited" about working for CNN and Turner Sports, both of which are divisions of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.

Her first assignment will be the Feb. 3 Super Bowl in New Orleans.