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Anthony Bourdain to help CNN's low ratings

By April MacIntyre May 29, 2012, 18:04 GMT

Anthony Bourdain (R) © Mohammed Kasim / PR Photos

Anthony Bourdain has no reservations about jumping ship from the Travel Channel to flailing news channel CNN.

World-renowned chef, bestselling author and Emmy winning television personality Anthony Bourdain will join CNN as host of a new weekend program, creating a signature showcase for the network’s coverage of food and travel.

The announcement was made by CNN Worldwide Executive Vice President and Managing Editor, Mark Whitaker.

“For more than a decade, Anthony Bourdain has been a trailblazer in educating Americans about different cuisines and cultures around the world, as well as an outspoken commentator on social trends ranging from the rise of celebrity chefs to the impact of fast food chains to the spread of vegetarianism and veganism.” said Whitaker. “Examining the world through the prism of Tony’s unique expertise and passions continues CNN’s long-standing commitment to international reporting and to promoting global understanding.”

Launching in early 2013, the show will be shot on location and examine cultures from around the world through their food and dining and travel rituals.

Slated to air domestically on Sundays in prime time with repeat airings on Saturday nights, it will mark a further step in broadening and distinguishing CNN’s weekend programming from its traditional weekday news coverage.

Bourdain will also offer commentary on other CNN programs and platforms, domestically and internationally, providing insights into current events and debates around food and health and other cultural conversations.

“I’m really looking forward to coming over to CNN. I think the world is going to get a whole lot bigger for me,” said Bourdain. “I hope that old fans and new ones will be excited about what’s coming down the road.”

Bourdain has also appeared on Bravo’s competition series Top Chef and written for HBO’s New Orleans-based drama Treme. He is also the author of critically acclaimed non-fiction and fiction books, including the New York Times bestsellers “Kitchen Confidential and “A Cook’s Tour.” He now oversees his own line of books from Ecco, a division of HarperCollins, the first three of which are scheduled to be released in 2013.

Bourdain famously warred with Food Network star Paula Deen over her lack of disclosure on her diabetes and drug endorsements.

Deen revealed a partnership with drugmaker Novo Nordisk to emphasize "simple ways" to manage diabetes. "I was determined to share my positive approach and not let diabetes stand in the way of enjoying my life," Deen said to People magazine.

Bourdain, who famously called her "the worst, most dangerous person in America," says when "you've been cheerfully selling this stuff [Deen's deep fat fried fare on Food Network]  knowing all along that you've got Type 2 diabetes ... it's in bad taste if nothing else. How long has she known? I suspect a very long time."