Replacing Paula Zahn Now Next Week: “CNN/YouTube Debate Countdown”

CNN is barely pretending Paula Zahn still has a show of her own.

Last week, Glenn Beck took over her time slot. And next week, the “CNN/YouTube Debate Countdown” will run in place of “Now.”

“CNN will air a week of one-hour specials in which the role of the Internet in the 2008 campaign will be examined,” the network announced late Tuesday. The specials will preview July 23’s Dem debate.

John Roberts and Kiran Chetry host the special on Monday and Friday, with Jeff Kepnes as EP. Zahn is allowed to host from Tuesday through Thursday, with Victor Neufeld as EP…

Update: 5:53pm: A couple comments from e-mailers:

> “Shouldn’t Anderson Cooper be hosting the Debate countdown since he’s supposed to host the debate and all?”

> “I love how CNN is using the word ‘Countdown’ at 8pm… hmmm… coincidence?”