Paula Zahn Now

Series Finale:     
A major bridge in Minneapolis has collapsed and, at the time of the broadcast, four people are confirmed dead. The Federal Transportation Department issues an alert to different states to inspect the 750 similar bridges. Susan Roesgen reports on the story and witnesses, affected individuals, and officials are interviewed.

At the end of the broadcast, Zahn acknowledges that she’s leaving CNN and that this is her final broadcast. She notes that the timing seems a little like a strange bookend with the bridge disaster considering that her first CNN broadcast was on September 11, 2001. A series of retrospective clips are then played.

Afterward, she banters with Larry King for a few moments and mentions that two of her three kids are in the studio but are too shy to say goodbye.

Following a final commercial break, Zahn says, “My good night tonight is special, because it’s my last one here at CNN. I came here in 2001 determined to report the news honestly, accurately, and without bias. And I have been very lucky to be your window into some of the most important events of the last six years, defining moments in our history — terror attacks, two wars, a presidential election, Hurricane Katrina, and so many other stories that have affected all of our lives. I hope you have found this program interesting, useful and fair. I hope I served you well.”

She continues, “Again, thank you so much for the privilege of being welcomed into your home. Thank you for trusting me to bring you the news. And I want to express my gratitude to all the people behind the scenes here who helped put this program on the air. Bravo, gang! They’re all so shy tonight. They won’t even show their heads. They are fabulous colleagues. Thank you so much for joining us tonight and all the other times you’ve been with us. Have a great night.”
First aired: August 2, 2007.