CNN hires Nutter as commentator

Former Mayor Michael Nutter is no stranger to cable news networks, but typically he was the focus of the headlines.

Now, he's ready to try his hand at weighing in on the day's news - as a commentator for CNN.

"It came together pretty quickly," Nutter said Monday afternoon from CNN's Washington offices, where he was preparing to go live to discuss the Iowa caucuses. "And it's definitely an honor. My goal is to try to communicate a message that is direct, authentic, and represents a reality of 20-plus years of elected office."

Nutter's new gig was announced on Twitter on Monday by Brian Stelter, host of the network's Reliable Sources. A CNN spokeswoman confirmed the hire but did not provide details about Nutter's new job.

Nutter said the network reached out to him after he left office in early January. He declined to share the terms of his contract but said he expected to be on air "a fair amount."

He said he would mostly be called on to comment in regards to the presidential election, but that the topics would vary.

"Within that context, I could certainly talk about public safety, education, poverty, police and community relations," he said. "All of those issues are components of what a presidential election is all about."

Nutter said he would be on air during coverage of the Iowa caucus results from 5 to 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday to 2 a.m. Tuesday.

It's the third position Nutter has lined up since leaving office. Columbia University announced last week that Nutter would become a professor of professional practice and urban policy.

He also was recently sworn in to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, a federal committee that provides the secretary of homeland security with recommendations on homeland security issues. That position is unpaid.

Nutter said he was continuing to weigh other opportunities.

"I think there'll be some other announcements as we move forward," he said. "But I'm certainly very pleased with the three so far."

tnadolny@phillynews.com

215-854-2730

@TriciaNadolny