It’s official: Lou Dobbs is out at CNN. The anti-immigration anchor announced on the air just a few minutes into tonight’s show that this would be his last broadcast for the cable network.
Tonight I want to turn to a personal note, if I may, and address a matter that has raised some curiosity. This will be my last broadcast here on CNN, where I’ve worked for most of the past 30 years and where I have many friends and colleagues whom I admire deeply and respect greatly. I’m the last of the original anchors here on CNN and I’m proud to have had the privilege of helping to build the world’s first news network. I’m grateful for the many opportunities that CNN has given me over these many years. I’ve tried to reciprocate with the full measure of my ability and my energy. Over the past six months, it’s become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us. And 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 a better understanding of the great issues of our day.
Dobbs said he couldn’t do that at CNN — and had agreed with the network on a release from his contract, which wasn’t set to expire until the end of 2011, “that will enable me to pursue new opportunities”.
“At this point, I’m considering a number of options and directions, and I assure you, I will let you know when I set my course.”
Dobbs then listed a number of issues that were important to him — immigration, the economy, climate change, America’s wars — and assured viewers that he will strive “to be a leader in that national conversation.”
There has been speculation for weeks that Dobbs might leave CNN — perhaps for the Fox Business Network.
Last month, Dobbs made the news when he blamed “ethnocentric interest groups” for a gunshot fired outside his New Jersey home. As we reported, it turns out that shot may have been little more than a hunter’s errant bullet.
CNN also released a brief statement tonight: “Longtime CNN anchor Lou Dobbs told viewers Wednesday night that he is leaving the network.”
Late Update: Here’s the video.
