Long time CNN anchor Lou Dobbs is leaving the network. But where is he going? I have a suspicion that Fox News will be the new home of Dobbs - who, while being the only anchor to actually touch under-reported stories on a regular basis, allowed his personal views on immigration to trump journalistic standards. Fox News has no problem with advocacy journalism of the Dobbs' variety. So I wager he shall end up there. Here is the info on his departure:
"Lou Dobbs, the longtime CNN anchor whose anti-immigration views have made him a TV lightning rod, said Wednesday that he is leaving the cable news channel effective immediately.
Sitting before an image of an American flag on his studio set, he said “some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem solving as well as to contribute positively to the great understanding of the issues of our day.”
“I’m considering a number of options and directions,” Mr. Dobbs added. A transcript of his remarks is available here.
Jonathan Klein, the president of CNN/U.S. said in a statement that “Lou has now decided to carry the banner of advocacy journalism elsewhere.”
“All of us will miss his appetite for big ideas, the megawatt smile and larger than life presence he brought to our newsroom,” Mr. Klein said.
Wednesday’s program will be Mr. Dobbs’s last on CNN. His contract was not set to expire until the end of 2011. He told viewers that CNN had agreed to release him from his contract early."