Daryn Kagan Leaving CNN

Anchor Plans To Set Up Inspirational News Web Site

NEW YORK, August 3, 2006 | by Judy Faber

(AP)  Daryn Kagan says she wants to find out if there's a business in good news.

Kagan, a 12-year CNN veteran who anchors two hours of news coverage from Atlanta each weekday morning, is leaving on Sept. 1 to set up a Web site devoted to telling inspirational stories.

"I think there is a void in the straight news business now, (which is) lacking a certain spirituality," Kagan told The Associated Press on Thursday. "I think most people live in a space where they are looking for meaning in life and good in the world and that is not necessarily reflected in straight news coverage right now."

Kagan said the site is not affiliated with any religious group, although she certainly welcomes people who are religious to visit. She expects to include audio, video and print reports.

The content will be similar to that featured in "Your Spirit," a regular segment on her CNN program. Within the past month, for example, she has profiled Daniel Gottlieb, a quadriplegic who wrote letters to his autistic grandson collected in the book "Letters to Sam: A Grandfather's Lesson on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life." She also interviewed a laid-off flight attendant who walks the streets of Atlanta twirling a baton.

She's not turning her back on news, Kagan said.

"It's important to be informed, but I also think it's important to be inspired," said Kagan, a former love interest of radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. "I'm creating a space where people can be inspired."

She said she had no financial backer for her Web endeavor other than herself.

The site, darynkagan.com, will launch on Nov. 13, she said.

By David Bauder
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