DARYN KAGAN Leaving CNN

(From Broadcasting And Cable -- By Anne Becker)

CNN anchor DARYN KAGAN is leaving the network to start an online inspirational Website, darynkagan.com.

Kagan, who has been with CNN for 12 years, will continue her regular anchoring gig from 10 am through noon until September 1st.

Kagan joined CNN as a sports anchor in 1994, after working in local TV in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved to news reporting in 1998.

In an email to colleagues, Kagan said she was excited about her new venture, an "online community dedicated to the radical idea that the world is a good place."

She said the site will launch November 13th.

Announcing Kagan's departure to CNN staff members this morning, CNN/U.S. President JON KLEIN noted Kagan's love for CNN, saying she had "thrown herself into her work with the network for years."

Sources close to the network said CNN has been courting New York-based news anchor HEIDI COLLINS to replace Kagan.

CNN declined to comment on her replacement.