I like Stuart, even though he WAS vain enough to have a hair transplant!

NYDailyNews

Ex-CNN Anchor In Talks With CNBC

By PHYLLIS FURMAN Daily News Business Writer

wo weeks after abruptly quitting CNN's "Moneyline News Hour," financial newsman Stuart Varney is in talks to join arch-rival CNBC, sources said yesterday.

If a deal is struck, Varney would likely become a financial commentator for the General Electric-owned stocks and bonds channel. Such a role would free up the CNN veteran to pursue outside interests, such as the lucrative speech circuit.

Sources said a deal has yet to be signed and that Varney is also considering offers from other TV and radio outlets.

Varney could not be reached yesterday and CNBC declined to comment.

CNBC tried to lure Varney in 1999 and 1995. Two years ago, after a year-long break from television, he returned to the network where he'd worked for 18 years to become co-anchor of "Moneyline," joining Willow Bay in succeeding longtime anchor Lou Dobbs, who had abruptly quit.

In 1999, "CNBC was anxious to get him," a source said.

Varney resigned from CNN two weeks ago after the network's founder, Ted Turner, called some employees "Jesus freaks," offending Varney. Turner later apologized.

The anchorman had also been feuding with execs over the direction of "Moneyline."

Separately, CNBC announced yesterday that outspoken ex-hedge fund manager James Cramer is returning to the network as a market commentator.

The co-founder of TheStreet.com, where he'll remain a several-times-a-day columnist, will appear biweekly on CNBC morning show "Squawk Box" and once a week as a contributor on its flagship evening show, "Business Center."

"He is informed, opinionated and influential," said CNBC business news chief Bruno Cohen.

"I love it," Cramer said of his return to CNBC. "'Squawk Box' is the the ultimate rush."

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001