NEW YORK (AP) Lou DobbsThe conservative political commentator and veteran cable TV host who was a founding member of CNN and later hosted the evening show Fox Business Network for more than a decade has died. He was 78.
His death was announced Thursday in a post on his official X account, calling him “a fighter to the end, fighting for what was most important to him: God, his family and his country.” The cause of death was not released.
“Lou's legacy will live forever as a patriot and a great American. Please pray for Lou's wonderful wife Debi, his children and grandchildren,” the post read.
He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on Fox Business from 2011 to 2021 after two stints as a host on CNN.
Fox News Media said in a statement that the network was saddened by Dobbs' passing.
“A gifted broadcaster with a brilliant business mind, Lou helped build cable news into a successful and influential industry,” the statement said. “We are deeply grateful for his many contributions and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Dobbs was an early and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, both during his presidential run and during his presidency. After his death was announced on Thursday, Trump wrote on his media platform, Truth Social, that Dobbs was a friend and “a truly incredible journalist, reporter and talented person.”
“He understood the world and what was going on better than most. Lou was unique in many ways and loved our country. My heartfelt condolences to his wonderful wife Debi and family. He will be greatly missed!” Trump wrote in the speech.
Dobbs was named in a lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News over lies told on the network about the 2020 presidential election. An arbitrator in 2023 will decide the two sides. $787 million settlementavoided trial. Mountain of evidence While some of the allegations were reprehensible and others were simply embarrassing, many Fox executives and on-air talent indicated they did not believe the accusations, which were primarily aired on shows hosted by Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. They were afraid of angering Trump supporters. Tell the truth to your audience.
Dobbs joined CNN when it was launched in 1980 and spent more than 20 years at the company, including as host of the show “Moneyline.” He left CNN in 2009 to help media mogul Rupert Murdoch launch Fox Business.
“Lou was one of the founding members of CNN and helped start and shape the network. We are saddened to learn of his passing and our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Debi, their children and family,” CNN said in a statement.
He says he thought of himself as an underdog when he joined Fox. A few years later, his show was a ratings hit and he became a staple at the right-wing network.
“We focus on the American people, their standard of living, the American nation,” he said of the show. In 2011“That's always my starting point.”
Mr. Dobbs' Fox show was titled “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” the same as the one he left in 2009 after his final, awkward years at CNN. Mr. Dobbs, who became TV's best-known business journalist in the 1990s with his “Moneyline” show, had become increasingly outspoken and unsettled CNN executives as his emphasis on curbing illegal immigration drew angry protests from Latinos.
Dobbs has worked deeply on the complex public policy and economic issues that drive our society.
Dobbs said he wants to always be honest with his viewers about his views on issues.
“My audiences have always expected me to tell them where I come from, and I see no reason to disappoint them,” he said in 2011.
