Nellie Andreeva

Outspoken anchor Lou Dobbs is returning to television a year after his public exit from CNN. He has signed a multi-year deal with the fledging Fox Business Network where will develop and host a new daily program that will launch in the first quarter of 2011. He will also appear on a number of FBN programs for analysis and commentary. ”Fox Business has always been about putting the smartest, most interesting people on television and the addition of Lou Dobbs will serve to strengthen the best lineup in business news,” the network’s EVP Kevin Magee said. “Teaming Lou with Managing Editor Neil Cavuto will make FBN a tough network to beat.” Dobbs previously served as an anchor, managing editor and EVP at CNN, hosting various programs including Moneyline, which premiered in 1980 and was later renamed Lou Dobbs Tonight. With his controversial opinions, especially on immigration, Dobbs became a lightening rod at the cable news network, leading to his resignation last November. For the past year, he continued to host his radio show while also making TV appearances, mostly on Fox News Channel. With his business background and strong opinions Dobbs appears to be a good fit for Fox News Channel’ sister business network, which is trying to make inroads against dominant player in the business TV news space CNBC. It is not clear what the new gig would mean for the possibility of him running for office in 2012.

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