Lou Dobbs, a longtime CNN news anchor and the last remaining individual of the network’s original anchors, has declared Wednesday on network television that he was to leave CNN, effective immediately.

“Some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem solving as well as to contribute positively to the great understanding of the issues of our day,” said Dobbs.

The Wednesday program where Dobbs gave his announcement would be his last, according to his statement. Dobbs’ contract with CNN was not set to expire until 2011, but Dobbs and CNN president Jonathan Klein “have agreed to a release from [Dobbs'] contract that will enable [Dobbs] to pursue new opportunities.”

Klein comments that “Lou has now decided to carry the banner of advocacy journalism elsewhere.”

CNN is scheduled to name a replacement for Dobbs by Thursday.

You can view the full transcript of Dobbs’ statement here.

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