Advocacy Groups Claim Victory After Dobbs Leaves

DAVID BAUDER

NEW YORK (AP) — CNN moved swiftly to replace Lou Dobbs in its nightly lineup with John King, who said Thursday that all views would be welcome on his politically-oriented talk show when it debuts early next year.

Dobbs' abrupt exit prompted a victory lap by advocacy groups that had sought his ouster for outspokenness, particularly on illegal immigration. But CNN President Jon Klein said their pressure had nothing to do with the decision.

Klein said veteran political reporter King was the perfect choice for the passionate, nonpartisan reporting that CNN wants for its image. King will be leaving the Sunday political talk show he has been presiding over, creating another opening.

King will compete directly with another political hour, Chris Matthews' "Hardball" on MSNBC (Shepard Smith's general interest newscast on Fox News Channel is the cable news ratings leader at 7 p.m. ET). The CNN personality said he hoped to establish a show offering more meaty fare than his competitors.

"Anybody who has a major stake in a major topic will be invited to be on the show," said King, whose Washington-based program has no name yet.