Dobbs quits CNN

CNN's Lou Dobbs, a lightning rod for criticism following his transition from a business journalist to an opinionated anchor on such issues as illegal immigration, told viewers Wednesday that he was quitting his show to pursue new opportunities.

"This will be my last broadcast," Dobbs said. Dobbs, who hosts a daily radio show unrelated to CNN, said the network had allowed him to be released early from his contract.

Dobbs was a CNN original, signing on when the cable network started in 1980. A decision on a replacement is expected