MSNBC host collapses in tears as she says heartbreaking on-air goodbye

A US news anchor dissolved into tears live on-air as she said a heartbreaking goodbye to one of her guests. Newsreader Katie Phang was celebrating her second-to-last episode of her MSNBC show, and discussing politics with congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, the Democratic representative for Texas's 30th congressional district.

Towards the end of the interview, Katie became visibly emotional on-air as she said: "This is the second to last episode of the show. Congresswoman, I wanted to thank you for always getting up early and delivering it but I also want to say thank you for your continuing support for democracy. It's definitely something that you have made your brand, and it's integrity that you're bringing and I'm grateful for you, always."

It was Crockett who broke down in tears first as she managed to say: "We'll miss you." But Katie also started to cry, responding: "Oh! You're gonna have me crying at the beginning of a show! Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, you haven't seen the last of me. Thank you for being here and getting us started today. I always appreciate you."

Katie has been axed from the network, with The Katie Phang Show being canned as part of a shake-up by president Rebecca Kutler. Discussing the shock move, Katie said: "I was proud to platform more AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) voices than any other cable show ever.

"And I was, and remain, proud to have been one of the only AAPI hosts with her name on a show. Representation matters." Despite losing her show, she will remain a part of the network.

Also on the chopping block was Joy Reid and Jonathan Capehart - Reid was ditched entirely while Capehart will lose his show but remain on the network. Ayman Mohyeldin and Alex Wagner also had their programmes cancelled.

Katie's emotional on-air exchange had viewers emotional too, with one writing: "Love this so much. Jasmine waves goodbye because she's crying too much!" Another echoed: "No idea what the hell is going on at @MSNBC. Katie Phang is a great show host. A great legal mind who is able to distill complicated subjects. And she has a heart."