The CNN Tonight branding has primarily been used for transitional programs aired by CNN in the evening and primetime hours as part of changes to its programming lineup—including the departure.
Later, in August 2023, CNN announced that Abby Phillip and Laura Coates would take over as permanent hosts of CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip and Laura Coates Live at 10 and 11 p.m.
What happened on Abby Phillip’s show Tonight?
CNN host Abby Phillip explains why the Muslim who was the target of the “joke” about the beeper did not come back after the commercial break.
The network has banned future appearances from writer Ryan Girdusky, after he commented on the disorder, appearing to say he hoped that Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan got blown up in a bomb attack. After being accused of antisemitism, Hasan defended his support for Palestinian rights.
The video, which showed Phillip and other panelists attacking Girdusky during the exchange, went viral. After a commercial break, Phillip apologized, clarifying that the writer had been asked to leave. However, viewers were left confused after Hasan, founder of media platform Zeteo, didn’t return to the panel.
Phillip clarified the reasons behind Hasan’s absence.
Everyone has probably seen what transpired on the show tonight, but I wanted to address one issue.
Ryan was asked to leave the show, as you may have noticed, and we have issued a statement stating that he is not welcome to return to our air. I also want to make it clear that we did not request that Mehdi not return, even though there is a line on this program that was crossed.
“We wanted him to come back and finish the show; we had a lot to talk to him and we hope that he’ll join us again soon. However, I want to be very clear for those who are wondering why he did not return: it was not because we did not want him back at all.
