Editor at AOL News, Mark Kennedy, is joining the Associated Press (AP) as theatre writer and critic.

The announcement was made on Thursday in New York by AP's Entertainment editor, Alicia Quarles, ending months of speculation on who would fill the prestigious post, which fell vacant after the death of Michael Kuchwara in May.

Kennedy has been with AOL News in New York since March 2010.

He had previously worked for the AP for 13 years, during which period he not only contributed regularly to the entertainment desk, but also served as an editor on the national and supervisory desks, helping cover major events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

Besides contributing theatre features and reviews, Kennedy, 40, will now cover other aspects of entertainment such as music, movies, pop culture happenings and industry trends.