WAMC: CNN's Lou Dobbs Leaving (2009-11-12)

Arts & Culture

CNN's Lou Dobbs Leaving

(2009-11-12)

Conservative commentator Dobbs is confronted by protesters and escorted by police during a march in New York

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - CNN's Lou Dobbs has called it a day at the news channel.

Dobbs told viewers he's quitting his nightly show to pursue new opportunities. Wednesday's was his last broadcast for the network.

Dobbs was a CNN original, signing on when the cable network started in 1980. For much of that time, he hosted a nightly business broadcast.

But he became a lightning rod for criticism following his transition from a business journalist to an opinionated anchor on such issues as illegal immigration.

Latino groups, who have long called for Dobbs' ouster, are hailing his resignation. The president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund said, "The Latino community can and should celebrate that Lou Dobbs is no longer on CNN."

John King is replacing Lou Dobbs on CNN.

John Klein, CNN president, said Thursday that veteran reporter King will move into the 7 p.m. EST slot that's been vacated by Lou Dobbs. King will host a show about politics beginning early next
year.

That puts him in direct competition with MSNBC's Chris Matthews, whose "Hardball" is also about politics. Fox News Channel's Shepard Smith, who does a more general interest newscast, dominates the cable news ratings in that hour.

Dobbs announced abruptly Wednesday evening that Wednesday would be his last show on CNN. He said he wanted to pursue more advocacy journalism, a route that was no longer available to him on CNN.
© Copyright 2012, Associated Press