CNN drops science-tech unit and veteran reporter

CNN has decided to shutter its science and technology unit —- a move that will result in the loss of seven jobs including veteran space correspondent Miles O’Brien.

The other six jobs are producers, the Atlanta-based cable news network said Wednesday.

“Miles has made many contributions to CNN over the years. He is a terrific reporter, and we wish him all the best,” the network said in a statement. His departure date has not been set.

The decision to do away with science-and-tech reporting as a standalone unit is an editorial one, not an economic one, the media company said. Instead, those stories will be integrated into other parts of the network, CNN spokeswoman Christa Robinson said. For example, the bulk of the network’s environmental coverage is part of Anderson Cooper 360’s “Planet in Peril” occasional series.

O’Brien, who joined CNN in April 1992, was CNN’s chief technology and environment correspondent. At one time he hosted a weekly science-and-technology show.

He replaced Bill Hemmer —- who later left CNN for Fox News Channel —- in 2005 to co-anchor “American Morning” with Soledad O’Brien. The pair, who are not related, were given different assignments in 2007.

“In television news, a nearly 17-year stint at one shop is more than just a good run, it is an epoch. I can honestly say I have loved every minute of my time at CNN,” O’Brien said in a statement. “I see a lot of exciting opportunities —- and I look forward to exploring what is on the horizon.”

CNN is owned by Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting System.