King keeps seat at CNN through 2011

By Paul J. Gough

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Larry King is staying at CNN for at least another two years.

King, 74, and CNN extended their contract through at least 2011. His talk show, always one of CNN's top-rated shows, has run since 1985. King's existing deal was set to run out in summer 2009.

King's fate at CNN wasn't ever really in question even before word of the extension. But some doubt crept in two weeks ago with a news report that claimed low-rated "CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric might replace King at some point.

During last week's Radio-TV Correspondents Dinner in Washington, comedian Mo Rocca joked that Couric was "waiting for Larry to wander off."

Calls to King's agent, John Ferriter, weren't immediately returned. CNN declined to comment other than to say that "Larry is the best and he'll be here for a long time." Financial terms of the deal couldn't be determined.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter