CNN has announced that they are ending the D.L. Hughley Breaks the News TV show after a short run of only a few months. The looming question is if it’s truly just a matter of logistics, or whether the news network got more than what they bargained for with the controversial host.
D.L. Hughley has been a popular comic for the past decade and recently co-starred on NBC’s ill-fated Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Breaks the News debuted on CNN on October 25, 2008 as a comedy news show, shown weekly on Saturday nights. The self-described “news junkie” wanted to let everyone know that “This ain’t your daddy’s CNN.” He interviewed a typical assortment of newsmakers, pundits, and ordinary people but with his own personal spin. The results were quite different than what you’d find elsewhere on the news network.
While Hughley’s show was anything but dull, it may have been a little too cutting-edge for CNN. Starting the show just days before Barack Obama won the presidential election, Hughley quickly raised the ire of some viewers. One of his first guests was a character named “Freddie Mac,” a brightly-dressed pimp who apparently caused the financial crisis. Via Black Star News, Dr. Boyce Watkins complained that all of the show’s humor comes from generalized stereotypes and that the host turned “the stellar Obama presidential campaign into a minstrel show.”
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More recently, Hughley took more heat for a comment he made about the Republican National Committee (RNC). Hughley was interviewing RNC Chairman Michael Steele and hip hop legend Chuck D about the political party’s attempts to gain popularity with the black community. Hughley stated that the RNC “literally looked like Nazi Germany. It literally did. I make that point, not only are we not welcome — not only are we not welcome, but they don’t even care what we think.”
Shortly after Hughley’s “Nazi Germany” comment, CNN announced the end of Breaks the News. According to an official announcement, the cancellation comes as the result of the host’s desire to relocate his work to Los Angeles where he lives with his wife and three children. CNN decided to retain his services as a Los Angeles-based contributor for the network and they claim they’re eager to continue a relationship with him. Breaks the News will end later this month.
Regardless of how the cancellation announcement is couched though, it’s hard to believe that Hughley’s controversial comment and content has had absolutely no impact on the decision to cancel the series.
It’s sad to see DL leave I really enjoy his show and comments he really gets to the point and make fun of everything. I just wonder if it has to do with the color, Keith Oberman’s comment to Rush Limbaugh, or to George W. did not affect his Job don’t get me wrong I always enjoy keith since he was the sportscaster for KTLA in the 80’s and I love his aggresivness,his comments,his honesty to reality. Is it racial that a black man cannot make these type of comments.by the way I’m not black,but I don’t see any fairness… Read more »
For those who watch the Democratic and Republican conventions, forget who you thought should be president, where was the most variety of people? Music? Also, the speakers were not screaming about how awful that thought the other camp was. CNN, look back on all those rallies…..it was Nazi camp for anyone other than a white person. The convention for the (D) was filled with young folks in jeans, babies, great music. The (R) was polyster and over weight white folks. I happen to be white and given the choice I’d be at the (D) party.
I wish that I did’nt love CNN so much because the cancelling of the D.L. Hughley show leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. I will boycot the 10 o’clock hour on CNN on Saturday nights until they bring the show back. For the people who don’t like the show, change the channel for an a hour, problem solved.
DL made us forget how hard life is . We injoy his show . Hate to see him go!!!!
I am really sad to see this show go off the air. He was funny and he did put a great spin on the news. There’s nothing wrong with him speaking his mind. Plus, it was great to see a black guy on CNN. Come on, do you really think that Don Lemon counts?
I love him…he’s super smart and has great observations, probably just needs another type of format…he’ll do great! I’ve seen his stand up and MC talents, and he can really think on his feet….
To start with, Hughley is a ho-hum comedian at best (I believe very overated). I don’t know if those comments got him canned or not, but they were kind of stupid and certainly not that funny. I’m sure CNN can come up with a suitable replacement. Also, number 23 (Dennis) might try a spelling course.
That dont look good CNN, I smell something from the pass and out spoking white man that ok but a out Spoking black man is a no no
Sad day when you are penalized for the truth….
I looked forward to seeing DL’s show every week! If Bill Maher can stay on why can’t a DL. Bah Hum Bug
DL was a fresh outlook for CNN. I looked forward to seeing his show every weekend. I watch other shows on CNN for their news reporting, but DL brought humor and an open mind to current topics. It’s so sad. What will be in his place, more reruns of Larry King? Maybe Comedy Central could pick up his show, and CNN could go back to just giving the news.
I knew DL’s days on CNN were short – I was surprised CNN even started the show. CNN was just trying to get brownie points because we have a Black president. Sorry CNN but we see through you. I will give you credit for putting forth a good effort to report the news in an even handed manner. I will continue to watch your programming. NOW — In response to JC Smith, I don’t want to offend you and I think you believe you understand Black people but you really don’t. Indeed it was Republicans who first opposed slavery but… Read more »
I am a very white liberal kind of gal and I love DL…I looked forward to watching his show every weekend…I’m very disappointed…I liked his perspective and the fact that he wasn’t afraid to say what he thought.
CNN YOU ARE JUST ANOTHER “SMOOTH” OPPRESSOR.
can’t believe that cnn cancelled dl. but i guess most of the american public can’t handle how a good portion of people actually view the world. dl just wasn’t scared to say what most people feel. disgusting how so called freedom of speech can be taken away so fast, why doesn’t someone take it away from that idiot rush limbaugh that is able to say he hopes our president fails and doesn’t ever get any punishment for saying what he feels, no matter how idiotic it may be. pretty disgusting and hippocritical. wake up people, not everyone agrees with dl,… Read more »