A Storied Career in Broadcast Journalism
Lovely Dobbs, the popular business news anchor and champion of Donald Trump, has died Thursday at 78, after a long career filled with accolades to his contributions toward broadcast journalism. In fact, Dobbs was an institution on CNN, joining the fledgling network in 1980.
He anchored “Moneyline” for over two decades. In 2009, he left CNN to help Rupert Murdoch launch the Fox Business Network.
A Fighter Until the End
A post on Dobbs’ official social media account confirmed his death, saying that he was “the great Lou Dobbs” who had been a “fighter till the very end.” Former colleagues at CNN reacted with condolences, citing his impact on the shape of the network. A CNN spokesperson issued a statement saying, “Lou was one of the CNN originals, who helped launch and shape the network. We are very sorry to learn of his passing and extend our deepest condolences to his wife Debi, children and his family.”
Advocacy and Controversy in Later Years
With Donald Trump’s political fortunes rising in the Republican Party, Dobbs became one of his most outspoken media supporters. He had used the platform to push anti-immigrant rhetoric and conspiracy theories and often lashed out at the so-called “deep state.” Trump’s admiration was returned in kind, with the former president often coming out to praise Dobbs and even sharing clips from his show on social media.
On Thursday, Trump described Dobbs as a “truly incredible journalist, reporter, and talent” and offered his condolences to Dobbs’ family.
Legal Troubles and Cancellation of a Show
Right after the 2020 election, Dobbs continued to push false conspiracy theories that the election was rigged. A lawsuit by voting technology companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic over defamation against Fox News followed. Smartmatic’s lawsuit named Dobbs personally. Following the filing of the lawsuits, Fox Business canceled Dobbs’ show in February 2021. Lawyers for Dobbs describe that he “denies the allegation of a disinformation campaign” and he “engages in opinion commentary on issues of public interest, which is his right under the U.S. Constitution.”
Remembering Lou Dobbs
Fox News paid tribute to Dobbs by touting his contributions to the industry. A Fox News Media spokesperson said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Dobbs. An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry. We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Lou Dobbs is a towering figure, likely to remain in many memories in media and politics, who has combined his impact on the world of broadcast journalism with outspoken support for Donald Trump to make him the most controversial figure.