Lou Dobbs, the cable news personality who became one of television’s most controversial figures, has died at age 78.

Dobbs built a decades-long career in broadcast journalism, beginning in Arizona radio before moving to CNN, where he became one of the network’s founding anchors. His on-air style combined authoritative delivery with sharp commentary on business and political issues.

A Career Defined by Controversy

Dobbs’s later years in television became marked by heated coverage of immigration policy and criticism of former President Barack Obama. His broadcasts frequently sparked debate over the boundaries of cable news commentary.

Despite the divisions surrounding his work, media observers across the spectrum acknowledged his influence on cable news format and approach. Even critics recognized that Dobbs reshaped how television news delivered opinion-driven political coverage.

Legacy and Reaction

Donald Trump and others who aligned with Dobbs’s viewpoints praised him as a patriot and media innovator. Those who opposed his commentary argued he crossed lines of journalistic responsibility.

Dobbs is survived by his wife, Debi, and six children. His death marks the end of a television career that left an indelible mark on cable news programming.

This story has been updated. CNN’s Senior Media Staff contributed to this report.