Dobbs’ total-control clause may be the last of its kind

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There was one little juicy nugget out of Lou Dobbs’ interview with Fox News Channel’s Bill O’Reilly tonight. Dobbs, who resigned from CNN last week, confirmed that he had ‘absolute editorial control’ over his nightly show.

CNN would never quite admit to that when Dobbs was battling the network over the content of his show. Dobbs is probably the last on-air personality to have final say over what goes on his show. Just as there are very few quarterbacks who call their own plays in the huddle, there are even fewer anchors who get to actually choose the words they say. While some may hold the title of ‘managing editor,’ the reality is that there are many cooks in the kitchen.

Dobbs’ total control clause was part of his deal when he returned to CNN in 2001 after leaving when he clashed with then-CNN News chief Rick Kaplan over content issues.

Dobbs didn’t say what his future plans were other than that he wants to ‘remain in the public arena.’ He doesn’t have to rush to find something new. His exit from CNN, which came while he still had well over a year left on his deal, included about $10 million. Although both sides say Dobbs’ decision to leave was mutual, usually if someone is breaking his contract he doesn’t get a such a generous going-away gift.

-- Joe Flint