Lou Dobbs Leaves CNN to Pursue Activist Role

CNN anchor Lou Dobbs resigned last night during his 7 p.m. program, citing a desire to take a more activist role in the issues he has passionately and controversially addressed on his show. Dobbs was released from his contract, which was set to expire in 2011, and Wednesday night's broadcast was his last. He was the only remaining anchor who had been with the network since it launched 29 years ago.

"Over the past six months, it has 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 and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible," Dobbs said.

Washington Post media columnist Howard Kurtz called Dobbs "the most opinionated and divisive anchor at a network that bills itself as a straight-news oasis." Dobbs had attracted attention and controversy for his conservative stance on illegal immigration, which led some media and Latino groups to campaign for his ouster.

"This is a happy day for all those who care about this nation of immigrants and believe in the power of media to elevate the political discourse," said Eric Burns, president of Media Matters for America.

CNN President Jon Klein said that throughout three decades at the network, Dobbs has "fearlessly and tirelessly pursued some of the most important and complex stories of our time, often well ahead of the pack. With characteristic forthrightness, Lou has now decided to carry the banner of advocacy journalism elsewhere."