Lou Dobb Exits CNN and ''Lou Dobbs Tonight''

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

Broadcast journalist, radio talk host and longtime CNN anchor Lou Dobbs exits CNN and "Lou Dobbs Tonight." Dobbs said that he and CNN President Jonathan Klein agreed to a contract release that will let Dobbs pursue other interests. Dobbs' staffers were caught off guard as they were told of his decision only a few hours before airtime, reports The New York Times.

Dobbs' current talk show on USRN is one of the fastest growing in the history of the format. Billed as an independent talker, Dobbs says his show occupies "the vital middle ground between the conservative and liberal voices."

CNN's Klein said in a statement, "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."

Dobbs said that he's "considering a number of options and directions" for how he can best be part of the national debate. Specifically on issues that include "the growth of our middle class, the creation of more jobs, health care, immigration policy, the environment, climate change, and our military involvement, of course, in Afghanistan and Iraq."