CNN Tonight is the title of several news programs that were broadcast by U.S. cable network CNN. When CNN has changed its programming lineup, such as when anchors leave (voluntarily or through termination) or are reassigned, the CNN Tonight branding has mostly been utilized for transitional shows that air during the evening and primetime hours. In 2001, it was first used for a brief program.
What happened on CNN Tonight?
A conservative commentator on CNN was banned for verbally attacking British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan by bringing up a string of Hezbollah-targeting handheld devices that exploded in Lebanon.
During a contentious discussion with Hasan, a well-known broadcaster and vocal opponent of Israel’s war on Gaza, Ryan James Girdusky said, “I hope your beeper does not go off,” on Monday’s episode of CNN Newsnight with host Abby Phillip.
The network issued a statement saying, “There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air.”
During two days of historic attacks in September, pagers, walkie-talkies, and other handheld communication devices exploded throughout Lebanon, killing nearly 40 people and injuring thousands more. The attacks were attributed to Israel.
CNN Newsnight guests discussed the upcoming U.S. presidential election and Republican candidate Donald Trump’s contentious rally in Madison Square Garden, including comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comments regarding Puerto Rico.
Hasan, the creator of the new media platform Zeteo, criticized the rally’s rhetoric, saying that Trump and other speakers made sexist and racist remarks about Black Americans, Latinos, and Jews, among other minority groups.
Hasan once admitted that it is “inflammatory” to claim that Trump and his followers are Nazis.
Before Girdusky interrupted and spoke over him, Hasan stated, “But if you do not want to be called Nazis, stop doing, stop saying.” Hasan, Girdusky continued, was called an “anti-Semite more than anyone at this table.”
“I am accustomed to it because I support the Palestinians,” Hasan stated.
Did you just say I ought to perish? Did you just say I ought to be put to death? Hasan responded.
After a commercial break, host Phillip reprimanded Girdusky and apologized to Hasan, mentioning that Girdusky had been kicked off the panel of guests.
“I don’t think it is acceptable that a line was crossed there,” Phillip said.
Additionally, CNN stated that “to explore important issues and promote mutual understanding, we aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate, including between people who profoundly disagree with each other.”
However, we will not tolerate the denigration of guests or the transgression of the civility code. Our network will not accept Ryan Girdusky back.”
How can I watch CNN live tonight?
Select TV Channels on CNN.com to begin streaming. You will be asked to log in with your TV provider if you are not logged in.
