You are echoing all the reviews I’ve heard (including, my own). D. L. + CNN = disconnect.

I saw it and I was horrified. It was insulting to African Americans with the Freddie Mac pimp. It is excactly what FoxNews needs to use as a stereotype of African Americans.

Disgusted, Disgusted, Disgusted

This show is utter crap and a wasted opportunity on wasted talent. D.L. should be ashamed of himself. This show sets black people back and reminded me of the minstrel style comedy of the past. Please CNN cancel this show immediately.

Yeah Headline News could work! I just wish it was the news network of old though. It’s the victim of the FOX effect.

I am so relieved (and horrified) to read these responses, as they are in direct agreement to my own reaction Breaking the News. I will go a step further and say that I can’t believe an African American male as seemingly intelligent as Mr. Hughley, could not see through this type of “comedy”. We cannot afford at this very crucial point in history to provide ammunition to load the real weapons of mass destruction, ignorance and fear. I can’t believe he thought this was a positive move for anyone other than himself.

This show aroused anger, resentment and indignation. It is a personal affront to the senses of all African Americans who have worked diligently to dissolve these antiquated stereotypes. It is thorougly disagreeable on many levels. This “display” only served to cause hostility and indigation and I feel personally offended to have had the misfortune to “witness” it. It only serves to treat Senator O’bama (and the American people at large) without the proper respect or attentiveness we deserve. If CNN was attempting to jump on the SNL bandwagon, the mark was sorely missed. My only conclusion is that D.L.’s “greed” overshadowed his common sense as an African American. D.L., look deeply and ask yourself if you are truly a better person than the Wall Street Executives. From my viewpoint, you are not…

Agreed, I thought beforehand that Hughley was the wrong guy for this spot, and what I’ve seen so far confirms my doubts..

How could DL do this to us? He set us up with amazing interviews on Glen Beck, Larry King, Real Time with Bill Mahr, etc. and walked us into the minefield that is ‘Breaks the News’. He is too smart and too good of a business man to allow this abomination to continue as is.

Change it or walk away DL.

I am so very disappointed in CNN and D.L. Hughley for having a show like this. The jokes were very tasteless and I was very unhappy with it. I hope that CNN will take heed to the voices of the people. D.L. Hughley is a great comedian and CNN is a respected news station, they need to fix this.

Not only does he not enhance CNN’s news brand, but I watched the show live for the first 15 mintues; and he didn’t even do a very good job of comedy.

He was stubbling through and messing up the comedic timing; as if he was nervous. Which is surprising considering he’s been doing comedy on t.v. for about 15 years.

It wasn’t the wittiest stuff he’s ever done which I was execpting if he was going to be on CNN.

Then he had homeboy from Chapelle playing a pimp Named Freddie Mack (as in the mortage company). It’s like come on; how cliche’ and obvious do you have to be? That’s just two easy. Very first skit is a Black guy as a pimp doing the same old tired pimp jokes.

CNN clearly is willing to do anything for ratings; and if this will do it, they’re not concerned about integrity. Not that this is the first time that they’re proving they don’t care about their integrity.

Everybody know’s how D.L. gets down. This is the guy who a few months ago said that Imus was wrong to call the Rucker’s women hoes, but he wasn’t lying about their nappy heads. He’s head straight for a contreversy because that’s what he does; and CNN is inviting. They’ll be cancelling him soon enough, but I guess they think if they can gets some ratings out of it, they’ll take what they can get for however long they can get it.

“too” easy, I meant

yeah…
He’ll be okay…
I would rather see it elsewhere…
I can see humor in any and everything, but I think it was a stretch for CNN…

E!, Comedy Central (obviously), TVOne, BET,Headline News or some other network…

Either way…
best of luck to you DL…

I’m very disappointed in D.L. for allowing CNN to use him as a vessel to shame the Africian-American race and most of all, Barack Obama! Mr. Hughley, wake-up and realize that you’re being used by CNN as the scapegoat to embarrass Mr. Obama and to freely say stupid-racist comments that the white race can’t get- away with saying to the public. Come on, what were you thinking. . wake up! Think of what audience you’re targeting – “CNN” – they are not laughing with you – they are laughing at you!

Do yourself a favor and do not watch this show. It was utterly horrible, we do not need this, especially not a week before the election. Go to Cnn and complain, you’ll see a small contact us link at the bottom of the page.

http://www.blakchek.com
For your safety, never participate in your white friends activities without first checking BlakChek first

I am very disappointed with D.L. Hugley I certainly expected better of him, I’ve always thought he was an insightful and intellegent comedian, but this puts him in the same class as any uninformed amature.

This will be a for sure miss for me what a disappointment.

the setup of his jokes are so tired and still unfunny… why is this on CNN first of all?

“d.l. + cnn= disconnect” i like that

I agree with most of the comments posted about the first episode. I didn’t read any of the promo articles at the show, so I didn’t realize that he was going to change the news. I thought he was going to make jokes out of the ‘real’ news. But I was shocked and disturbed by the Freddie Mac skit and the part about everyone getting grills under Barack Obama’s health care plan. However, that wasn’t the only part of the show. He interviewed one of the CNN consultants, the Miss Alaska that beat Sarah Palin and Scott (I don’t remember his last name) who was the White House Press secratary. However, I want to disagree with the suggestion that the show should be cancelled. I hope that he is listening to the feedback of the people that watched the first week and makes adjustments for the next show but I don’t think we should just write the show off after one episode. I think that DL Hughley deserves a 2nd chance (not a 3rd or 4th chance) but at least a 2nd chance to make a better impression with this show. I will give him that chance this weekend but that is it. I hope he doesn’t disappoint two weeks in a row.

I found DL Hughley’s show highly offensive, I didn’t find his freddie mac the pimp or hoe, nigger jokes funny at all. This type of material has no place on National TV. It seems like CNN goes out of its way to depict blacks in a negative way, like that other piece of trash (Being Black in America )Is CNN being ran by a bunch of undercover racist,that go out and find ignorant blacks that will say what CNN can’t. I wont watch CNN again. I will watch a real news channel. MSNBC

I must start by saying that I have enjoyed the humor and comedy shows of D.L. (D.L.) Hughley. I was very surprised to see the advertisements for his new show and wondered what it would bring to the CNN audience. Because of curiosity, I wanted to watch the show without any preconceived ideas about the content; in fact I was surprised to know that there would be any reason for D.L. to be affiliated with CNN. I watched with suspicious eyes to find out if this show would have any part of seriousness. I did not know what to expect.

D.L., I am writing to you out of frustration and utter disbelief that you would allow yourself to be used as a pawn (token) for something so demeaning and degrading to the African-American race. It was disheartening to see the parodies between the political race and our African- American candidate and for that matter the political agendas of Barack Obama, our candidate. I frankly did not find the show funny but instead sad. I was so outraged and did the following; 1. I came to work and discussed what I had seen and did a reality check to see if it was just me; and 2. Compelled others to watch at least one show to validate if what I felt was real. In more than one response, I received confirmation. If the intent was to evoke an atmosphere of belief in stereotypical behaviors and attitudes then I will be the first to say, “Job Well Done.”

Also, as I watched I got the sense that D.L. was not his usual self. I noticed that he usually will laugh about some of the material that he presents but I did not find him to be genuine. Get a divorce from this deal D.L.

As a note, I have felt compelled to express my opinion on other issues that disturbed me but did not do anything but grumble loudly. This is an issue that deserves outspoken displeasure and boycott. I am not supportive of this show, its content or the network that condones it. Reprogramming is in order.

I am not a celebrity or a politician. I am a middle class female who is concerned about what this show portrays.

Thanks for listening, I think.
Dolores, Elk Grove, CA

Oh my goodness… I’m amazed, because every review I’ve read from other fellow African Americans echoed every sentiment, thought and feeling I had when I watched the silly show. It was terrible quality wise, even more, content wise. I was offended and shamed at the same time. When people make silly mistakes I look at their motives. Does D.L. need attention, because Obama been getting all the air time? It’s just too critical time in history for this show to come up. D.L. must think this is groundbreaking, but it’s not.

They expect black people to be entertaining and to play into the same stereotypes. We aren’t suppose to offer intellegent commentaries and analysis such as Donna Brasil, Roland Martin, Tavis Smiley or Gwen Ifill…the list could go on and on. Any of these people could have had their own shows on CNN.

It makes me so angry; I know the CNN executives are sitting back and laughing, because D.L. took the bait. Jon Klein, the president of the US CNN says, “It’s as if we’re shutting off the lights at the end of the day and letting him run amok…” Let’s consider the time slot… Saturday (the day where people watch the least amount of television), at 10:00 pm…CNN is shutting down. He is getting embarrassed and is an embarrassment.

OK.. is someone working undercover at CNN and is looking out for the best interest of the Republican Party. After watching this show it sure appears to be just that. Being greedy for money and some fame is the only explanation I can gather. Even at that,he should be ashamed of himself for being such a fool to carry on an Amos and Andy show like this at this time! DL What are you thinking??.. or just maybe you have stopped thinking!!

I saw both DL shows so far and I am disgusted and appalled, for all the reasons stated above. I am a white male, 56 years old, born in Birmingham, Alabama. I am a huge fan of Obama. My vote is already in. This dumb, dumb, dumb show could screw up the election for Barak and all of us who have worked so hard for all these years to end the old stereotypes and change this country for the better. My wife and I watched in horror as DL and Al Sharpton carried on as if the election was already won, and their in-your-face-whitey attitudes played into all the prejudices and fears that cause some to say they’ll never vote for a black man. Who hired this guy, Karl Rove? Is Ted Turner a Repugnant One– I mean Republican? DL, you are a nightmare, please go away!

I couldn’t sleep all night after watching DL. What a shameful show. The 2nd was worse than the 1st!! Not only wasn’t it funny, it was embarrassingly racist, by a black man. What does that tell you? I kept thinking and saying to my husband, “He and CNN MUST have been paid by the republicans to do this. This must be Rove’s last weekend surprise.” It was terribly offensive, and in your face, ha ha ha, whitey we won, and we’re gonna get ours, and we’re gonna get you. Huh? The weekend before the most important election in our country’s history, when Obama needs every vote he can get. This will most certainly turn off and inflame many white undecided voters. It turned me off and I’m a liberal democrat. Disgusting, to say the least. DL and CNN how much did you get paid to sell your soul? (PS: Anyone know how to get a copy of this directly to DL?)

I have always felt that CNN was the best of the best when it came to the news, but just recently you have led me to think otherwise, Since you aired the show titled “D. L. Hughley Breaks the News” I am convinced that you are not the most trusted name in news because not only did Hughley break the news, but he broke the barrier and took it too far by using the terms of bitches , whores and pimps. This seems to be like the choice that McCain made with the woman who can see Russia from Alaska!!!!!!!

CNN should stick to the news and stop trying to compete with Saturday Night Live…it is not working. That show is disgusting, not funny, and as an African American it is very offensive to me. This is not the best way to capture an audience by using Hughley to represent other Blacks in America. Why didn’t you just find some old Amos & Andy Shows to air during the election or at prime time? That could not have been any more of an insult to Blacks than the Hughley show.

BTW, by watching Hughley’s awful show, I saw the young man (Don Lemon) that I thought was no longer with CNN because I have not seen him on during the day and nothing has been said about where he has been moved…. wonder what that is about? Why has he been moved? Did you move him there on the weekend when everyone is asleep or has turned off the TV to prepare for work the next day for some reason? He is very good and does come across as very professional and a real Journalist. He should air before that trashy show with Hughley. You now have boring Rick Sanchez and snooty, giggling, and fake Kyra Phillips with the long and uninformative interviews on in that spot. What a joke!!!!

If you can allow Campbell Brown on with that lisp, Wolf Blitzer that cannot complete a sentence, Anderson Cooper with his stumbling speech and fake puzzled frowns, and Larry King that needs to be taken to the Old Folks Home on with prime time shows, certainly you could allow this young and educated Black Journalist (Don Lemon) on the air with his own show. Perhaps Joe the Plumber will have his own show on CNN soon.

I wonder if the Managers, Executives, and CEO’s watch the D. L. Hughley show and find it funny or choose what should air and when/where someone should be placed in a lineup on the shows that air, perhaps they should be replaced or removed from their positions. Perhaps, they are on a slow boat to China.

OPEN: LETTER
Racial and Political Hate Crime

Mr. Jeffrey Bewkes
CEO, Time-Warner
1 Time Warner Centre,
New York, NY 10019

Dear Mr.Bewkes

On Saturday, October 26, 2008 many others and I were gathered in my home for an informal social event. My television was tuned into CNN’s Larry King’s show, which we all later learned that CNN was to present a news satire starring D.L. Hugley, a once respected comic.

As the show unfolded the sounds and feelings of pain and righteous indignation openly erupted among all of my guests, and as an African-American male I even felt pity. Apart from its macabre lack of humor, it had the psychological impacts of a 1960’s church bombing in a time when America’s collective consciousness is progressing in ways never thought imaginable in those times.

It was an emotionally horrific and traumatic hate crime against the millions of African-Americans watching D. L. Hughley “Breaks The News”. The show presented characters and images of people of color as morally corrupt, jiving, intellectual inferiors, including Mr. Hughley who is uniquely unqualified as a performer dealing with political content under the cloak of comedy. CNN has racially shocked America’s soul back 70 years using old film clips of the late Sammy Davis, Jr from a humiliating and dangerous era for African-American people and performers and others who stood with them for equal rights.

|As Americans, we are all hurt and diminished by CNN’s total lack of social responsibility. TLFAE is demanding that Time-Warner/CNN cease and desist with the production and programming of the D.L. Hughley “Breaks The News”. We also assert that this malicious and intellectual assault was based upon CNN’s own political agenda by showing the world negative images of African-Americans as we proceed closer to November 4th.

All Americans should be outraged and are deserving of a public apology for this thoughtless act of political and racial terrorism. We are currently seeking legal counsel for class action proceedings and organizing a global boycott of CNN and all of Time-Warner products to enforce these demands. We hope that your response is both swift and judicious.

Govern yourselves accordingly,

Mr. Ira Robinson
President,
Toussaint L’OvertureFoundation for Arts & Education
Email: the4ththeatre@yahoo.com.

Cc: JNew on Klein, President, CNN/US

Dear Mr.Bewkes

On Saturday, October 26, 2008 many others and I were gathered in my home for an informal social event. My television was tuned into CNN’s Larry King’s show, which we all later learned that CNN was to present a news satire starring D.L. Hugley, a once respected comic.

As the show unfolded the sounds and feelings of pain and righteous indignation openly erupted among all of my guests, and as an African-American male I even felt pity. Apart from its macabre lack of humor, it had the psychological impacts of a 1960’s church bombing in a time when America’s collective consciousness is progressing in ways never thought imaginable in those times.

It was an emotionally horrific and traumatic hate crime against the millions of African-Americans watching D. L. Hughley “Breaks The News”. The show presented characters and images of people of color as morally corrupt, jiving, intellectual inferiors, including Mr. Hughley who is uniquely unqualified as a performer dealing with political content under the cloak of comedy. CNN has racially shocked America’s soul back 70 years using old film clips of the late Sammy Davis, Jr from a humiliating and dangerous era for African-American people and performers and others who stood with them for equal rights.

|As Americans, we are all hurt and diminished by CNN’s total lack of social responsibility. TLFAE is demanding that Time-Warner/CNN cease and desist with the production and programming of the D.L. Hughley “Breaks The News”. We also assert that this malicious and intellectual assault was based upon CNN’s own political agenda by showing the world negative images of African-Americans as we proceed closer to November 4th.

All Americans should be outraged and are deserving of a public apology for this thoughtless act of political and racial terrorism. We are currently seeking legal counsel for class action proceedings and organizing a global boycott of CNN and all of Time-Warner products to enforce these demands. We hope that your response is both swift and judicious.

Govern yourselves accordingly,

Mr. Ira Robinson
President,
Toussaint L’OvertureFoundation for Arts & Education
Email: the4ththeatre@yahoo.com.

Cc: Jon Klein, President, CNN/US

DL’s show was the most awkward and un-funny thing I have ever seen. I wanted to give the show a chance, hoping maybe it’d be a CNN approach to political satire (e.g. Colbert, Daily Show, etc.) but I was horribly wrong.

CNN is sponsoring a show chock full of offensive racial slurs and weak attempts to poke fun at current events. I don’t think this is DL’s fault because his writers are the one’s coming up with whatever he reads off of cue cards, but still! I can tell DL is uncomfortable with the comedy which makes the show super awkward.

The worst part of the show is when he has guests. Although I’ve only seen once episode, DL spoke to a columnist about gay civil rights as well as Republican strategist Pat Buchanan. During both interviews, DL basically failed. He did not really allow the guest to discuss their beliefs and even so, he would almost interrupt or you could tell he was preparing what he was going to say in response before the other person finished. AND he didn’t have the charisma to make any comedy of any of it. A lot of it was just DL saying “Well.. I think…” and him humiliating the guest (in my opinion) because the audience would laugh with DL and essentially laugh at the guest.

Overall, the show is disappointing. I don’t mind the fact that CNN wants to incorporate comedy or take a lighter outlook on news, but because of the quality that people expect from CNN, it needs to be intelligent, sharp satire with a charismatic host. DL and his show unfortunately do not fill that profile.

I was horrified the first night it aired, It was BEFORE, Obama was elected and I sent an email to CNN immediately letting them know that this “minstrel show” was unacceptable. I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL IT GOES OFF THE AIR. Obama sets a new standard for us as a people. DL love us and do us a favor, either change your format or get off of the air. It’s a new day. Set an example of what we will no longer tolerate as our legacy.

First off, I agree with the majority of posts; it was painful getting through Breaks the News. But I dont necessarily think CNN was intending to use DL as a “vessel” or “outlet” to vent racial hatred, as some have posted. Im an Obama supporter, and even I could tell that CNN was in the tank for Obama since the primaries, so it doesnt make sense that they would bash him once he was victorious. For now, the blame for the degradation and embarassment African-Americans are feeling falls squarely on DL’s shoulders…UNLESS CNN doesnt cancel the show in response to outrage.
I really think it boils down to a news organization attempting comedy…and failing miserably. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are funny guys, no doubt, but you’re only as good as the writers who provide you your material. The predictable sketches and recycled jokes suggested a crew of mediocre writers behind the scenes, and DL’s apparent nervousness didn’t help.
DL should be blamed for resorting back to black/white jokes to liven what was a noticeably luke-warm audience (which didnt help). CNN should be blamed for not having the wisdom to realize that a news station CAN’T DO COMEDY. You can’t expect DL to write it all, and when every other guest is a CNN contributor (Josh Levs as that truth-squad guy ‘watching’ DL? Oh no..)something tells me the network oughta back off and let the pros handle the jokes.

I disagree with you all. I really like the show. I’m sure they have writers that come up with his jokes, but DL has never been a clean-cut comic in the first place. I am proud that he has a show on CNN and everyone should loosen up and take it for what it is. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it. I am an african american woman and I tune in to his show each week. Stop finding reasons to harp on the past and look at the fact that DL has been given an opportunity to expand his audience and his career.

D.L.,

Where is your “Breaks the News” website? CNN can’t hook you up? How are you supposed to get feedback from your people w/just a myspace page?

Secondly,
I got put off by your piece on Kwanzaa. I know its jokes and all but you missed an opportunity to show the positivity behind this holiday and clear up some misconceptions. If you really want to know about KWANZAA, visit Malcolm X College in Chicago (26TH-JAN1) and see what its really about. Don’t get it twisted, I understand that people feel it is not a “real” holiday but it is derived in response to historic dehumanization of African Americans, just as the phrase “I’m black and I’m proud” KWANZAA is a communal affirmation and celebration of us as a people, though we do not know what country we are truly from. I am 23 years old and have celebrated X-mas and Kwanzaa my entire life. I, the youth, feel we as a people could benefit so much from the principles addressed, UMOJA-Unity!, Kuchichajulia- SELF DETERMINATION!!!… and if you ever want to hear some real KWANZAA songs check out Steve Cobb and Chavunduka.

It’s hard to shoulder the responsibility of your people, but we do have that responsibility just the people who came before us. Make significant use of your talent and privilege brotha hughley.

Habari gani

MC SODA from MySpace

What an embarrasment!! I saw the first airing just before the elections and was totally confused as to why CNN, or D.L. for that matter, would put something so degrading on tlevision.

After witnessing Sen. Obama’s clear attempt at putting these types of stereotype and misconceptions behind us with his fabulous speech on race, this was totally unbelievable.

Comic View is one thing (night club humor has it’s place) but this is outrageous. It was like a modern-day “Step and Fetchit”. Shows like this only serve to reenforce the notion that Blacks are all spear-chucking, rib and watermelon-eating, brainless, fools!!! What’s next? Instead having coffee cups and a microphone for props like Larry King, will D.L. have to prop a forty and crack-pipe?

This is sooo painful. There are so many talented Black men with integrity who could have done something much more funny and positive with this time-slot like: Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner, Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Cedric The Entertainer…. Hell even Dave Chapelle would have maintained a better sense of integrity!!!

CNN, I used to have respect for you.

Black people, get a grip.

I’m a black male and I am appalled at how over-sensitive my race is, as usual.

Goodness. Black people are afraid of everything. Why do we bash DL Hughley but how many black people are taking a stand against Hip-Hop? Which is the REAL menace to the black race.

I have seen every episode of DL Hughley Breaks the News. Not because I was especially fond of it, but because I watch CNN every day. You are willing to badmouth this show but what about all the disrespect we show to our women? What do we say/do about that? Hardly anything.

Just go ahead and keep focusing on what DOESN’T matter. Good job.

Sad, indeed.

I have seen almost every show or most of every show. I also come from a background of education that studied the history of Black people in the media and in our society. My parents went to segregated schools and taught me about racism. I have to admit that I am really surprised by the comments on here. I will admit that some of the bits are a little over the top and some work well and others did not work at all. But to suggest that this was a classic mistral show is ridiculous. Either you do not know what a Minstrel show actually was or you do not know the historical nature of African-American Comedy. Dave Chappelle did this often in his show where he took on political issues to make a point. This is not much different than the way Chris Rock has done to make edgy political statements in his comedy stand-up.

I have also noticed that his show has changed recently and there are less comedic bits. He is doing much more serious talk from still a comedic point of view.

It is not about sensitivity, it is about being educated about all our history. It is not like DL is the first African-American to do a pimp bit on a show. And just because it took place on CNN does not mean it crosses a line. Fox has a show where they make jokes and make fun of people all the time. Now the reality is not from an African-American perspective, but there are jokes about gay issues, sexual innuendo and many other cultural jokes. I do not see why DL’s show is outrageous, but when Fox’s late night show runs, I do not hear anyone accusing that show for being out of line.

WOW…. I was shocked to read all the negativity towards D.L. I am a Black female and do not find it offensive one bit. Come on, he’s delivering the news to a genre (probably my genre 25 – 40 y.o.) with a comedic twist. He has a lot to say, so do others. Why take offense??.. take it for what it is, his opinions.

Having the show air on CNN, brilliant on their part..they are bringing in a whole different slice of the TV watcher pie, by having this type of comedic spin on news show.

Think about the exposure that the channel is gaining. Younger audience is now tuning in to CNN. Good for them and three cheers for D.L.

This show is trash.

D.L. Hughley doesn’t even seem to know the issues he’s commenting on and inquiring upon. It’s really quite ridiculous. This show shouldn’t be on TV at all, but definitely doesn’t belong on the usually savvy, relevent, and classy CNN.

D.L. dissappoints… HUGELY.

^That’s about as good as D.L.’s jokes get, by the way.

The saddest part, I think, is that Hughely isn’t smart enough to realize the backlash of:

1) Not knowing what you’re talking about

AND

2) Trying to be funny when you’re not

AT THE SAME TIME.

Not good. He can do better.

~Rell.