Lou Dobbs is leaving CNN: Could Fox News be in his future?
Filed under: People, Time Warner, News Corp.
Lou Dobbs, the voluble CNN anchor who became a political lightning rod for his outspoken views on immigration and global trade, is leaving the cable news network effective immediately, he announced on his show Wednesday night. Dobbs, one of the premier news broadcasters in the television business, was the last of the original anchors at CNN, which pioneered the cable news format 30 years ago. Dobbs's contract extended through the end of 2011, but he said CNN had agreed to let him leave early."Some leaders in the media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond my role here at CNN and engage in constructive problem-solving," said Dobbs, who had dubbed himself "Mr. independent" of late, adding that he aimed to stay involved in the national discourse.
Media speculation immediately focused on the possibility that Dobbs might join Fox News, the cable news leader, and CNN's arch-rival. Dobbs met with Roger Ailes, Fox News's head honcho, in September, according to The New York Times. The paper suggested that Dobbs might jump to Fox Business Channel, the company's struggling financial network.
On Wednesday, a Fox spokesperson told the paper, "We have not had any discussions with Lou Dobbs for Fox News or Fox Business."
For his part, Dobbs gave no specific hint of his next move. "I'm considering a number of options and directions," he said.
Dobbs, who has a strongly loyal following despite lagging ratings, had increasingly become the odd man out at CNN, which has sought to position itself as the credible news alternative to Fox News and MSNBC. The two have adopted more ideological orientations -- and seen a payoff in the ratings.
In recent years, Dobbs had become increasingly outspoken, becoming possibly one of the most vocal opponents of illegal immigration in the country. He has drawn the ire of various immigration-rights groups, who have accused him of anti-Latino bias, among other things. Dobbs has also been a highly vocal critic of the federal government's Wall Street bailout, as well as what he perceives is the general encroachment of government into the lives of citizens.
Dobbs had been at CNN for nearly 30 years, save for a two-year stint as a co-founder of the website Space.com during the Internet bubble. Earlier in his career, Dobbs covered business news. But in recent years, he has focused on national affairs. Don't be surprised to see him back, further on down the dial.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 11)
11-11-2009 @ 8:38PM
James said...
Dobs going to Pox, I mean Fox? Gee, what a surprise!
Reply
11-11-2009 @ 10:50PM
Gladhe'sleaving said...
It's about time Lou Dobbs went to where he belongs, Pox news, the most republican biased news station in the world. Pox and Dobbs deserve each other.
11-12-2009 @ 12:55AM
Joann said...
Yes Fox THE LEADING and best news channel there is Not to mention the # 1 news channel Not a channel with that slobbering disgusting Overman! Or that chill ran up his leg Mattphews! A good play on there liberal ass names huh LOL LOL
11-12-2009 @ 9:22PM
sieben13 said...
Good by lou & good riddance, yes you would fit in perfectly with fox news ,in many ways you have the same mentality
11-12-2009 @ 9:08AM
Kate said...
Soon there won't be anything else to watch but FOX. CNN and MSNBC are a joke.
11-12-2009 @ 9:58AM
waagtod said...
Lou dobbs will definatly next be seen on Fox Pseudo News. Yes, Fox["all the news we can think of"} is the most popular CABLE "news' (sic) network. Nascar , country music and hiphop music are hugely popular too, but that doesn't mean they aren't cr@p! The american people can always be counted on to make cr@p popular. Just because you have bad taste doesn't make you evil. We watch movies about evil things like vampires, that doesn't mean we want to be vampires.
11-12-2009 @ 1:58PM
Carlos de Vasconcellos said...
Who cares about what that idiot with ill-fitting dentures and a bad hair coloring job does? Going to Fox won't make Murdoch's Fascist Mouthpiece better or worse. Just more boring. At least now, with the Hanity and Beck and the other tall one with too much rouge, it is mildly entertaining. But Dobbs will make it only boring. The only advantage of Dobbs joining the Pox is that it will concentrate the loony right in the same nest. Easier to avoid them.
11-11-2009 @ 8:59PM
2lazy2p said...
With CNN losing viewers, now under one million, why would FOX add a news reader that caused their downfall? FOX has more viewers than CNN, CNBC, MSNBC combined.
Reply
11-12-2009 @ 8:42AM
June said...
This speaks to the lack of education and political understanding int his country. Fox News is NOT news but is like a school ground bully--and full of hype.
11-18-2009 @ 1:44AM
Holly Marcyoniak said...
I bELIEVE YOU WILL FIND NOW THAT MR. DOBBS IS NOT PART OF CNN THEIR RATINGS WILL REALLY SINK TO AN ALL TIME LOW ! YOU SEE, THERE ARE MANY MORE WHO WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH, NO MATTER HOW BAD IT IS- NOTHING WILL GET BETTER UNLESS IT'S BROUGHT OUT INTO THE LIGHT & LOOKED AT !!
11-11-2009 @ 9:02PM
Sonny said...
I think Lou Dobbs is a staight shooter and CNN is starting to come around with more responsible reporting. However, honest and respectable journalist are starting to migrate to Fox News.......it is truly a testament to their integrity to promote fair and balanced journalism. Good luck, Lou.
Reply
11-12-2009 @ 2:10AM
AmendingAngel said...
You are such an ass, it hurts. Honesty and integrity are NOT synonymous with FOX news.
11-12-2009 @ 3:28AM
kendoll said...
You're kidding, right! If you count Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity as honest and respectable journalists, you are definately addicted to the Kool-Aid. What a joke! Thanks for the laugh.
11-12-2009 @ 12:46PM
scott said...
You show your ignorance Kendoll. There is a HUGE difference between NEWS and OPINION. Beck and Hannity are commentators giving their OPINION. No one is confused about where they are coming from and no one things they are getting NEWS. It is open and honest. The news programs on FOX, (Special Report, etc) have been deemed by non-partisan groups to be the most fair. The Problem with NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, MSNBC is that their NEWS programs distort the news by taking a decidedly left point of view, when they are supposed to be reporting.
I have no problem with Keith Olbermann and his ridiculous show. We know Keith is wearing Red under his suit. The problem is when NBC has him cover the Presidential Debate on the network broadcast which in a NEWS format, all the while he is fawning over Obama. Can you imagine if FOX News had Glenn Beck, on the Fox broadcast network, covering the debate?
People can't trust network news, CNN, or MSNBC. Whether you like the Opinion shows or not, people trust FOX News to get things in a straight and open manner. End of Story!
11-12-2009 @ 11:17AM
Sam said...
You are right, Lou will improve himself by going to Fox, because Fox stands for truth and honesty.....unlike CNN and MSBNC which are probably run from the whitehouse press office. Those other replys are obviously from a couple of misguided liberals..........poor things, they don't know any better.
11-12-2009 @ 2:02PM
Mike said...
Sonny, You are to be commended for posting a completely honest, truthful statement with no idiotic name calling. I appreciated reading a well thought out post like yours.
11-11-2009 @ 9:11PM
Jim Plat said...
Lou Dobbs was the only reason I ever tuned into CNN anymore! AS for MSNBC WTF??!! Rachel Maddow looks like Jon Stewart's twin sister..only not nearly as good looking!! Between her and Keith Oberman I just can't watch it anymore!
Reply
11-12-2009 @ 12:03AM
JOE said...
YOU FORGOT THE GUY BEFORE THE DYKE AND DUFUS. THE GU WHO DROOLS ALL OVER HIMSELF
11-11-2009 @ 9:24PM
Benedict Arnold said...
Welcome to america mr dobbs. I use to watch you on CNN when I worked for GM. Then I got laid off and had to find a real job. I couldn't watch your show because it was on CNN. Maybe if Fox will hire you I can enjoy your show again and not feel guilty.
Reply
11-11-2009 @ 10:30PM
Rocco Rotondo said...
Light on the mustard and not too much lettuce.