CNN taps Bourdain for new show

NEW YORK, May 29 (UPI) -- U.S. chef, author and TV personality Anthony Bourdain is to serve as host of a new weekend food and travel program, CNN said.

The announcement was made Tuesday 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," Whitaker said in a statement. "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."

The show is to debut in early 2013. It will be shot on location and will examine cultures from around the world through their food and dining, and travel rituals, CNN said.

"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."