Although we didn't get rid of Lou Dobbs, it looks like the stink we raised is having an impact. From today's Mediabistro.com:

Exclusive: TVNewser has learned, and a CNN spokesperson confirms, that in his morning editorial meeting today, CNN/U.S. president Jon Klein asked his show producers to avoid booking talk radio hosts. "Complex issues require world class reporting," Klein is quoted as saying, adding that talk radio hosts too often add to the noise, and that what they say is "all too predictable."

One of CNN's longtime show hosts, Lou Dobbs, hosts a daily radio show. A few political contributors also host radio shows including Bill Bennett and Roland Martin. They are presumably not affected by this.

But this means other talk radio hosts who appear regularly on CNN, probably won't in the near future including names like Stephanie Miller, Michael Medved, and Ben Ferguson.

Jon Klein really likes Robert Novak.

Wolf Blitzer will host a new show starting in the summer. Its a three-hour, late-afternoon affair that will replace "Crossfire" and "Inside Politics" The show, which does not yet have a name, will run from 3-6 p.m. ET. Blitzer, who already hosts two hours weekdays (noon-1 p.m. ET and 5-6 p.m. ET) and "Wolf Blitzer Reports" on Sundays, will be the primary host.

Details have yet to be worked out, but Jon Klein, president of CNN/US, said Tuesday that it would showcase the network's reporting and analytical assets with a special focus on breaking news.

"It will offer a new and enticing way to look at the world for busy people," Klein said.

I wonder what DC Media girl will have to say about his one. I kinda like Inside Politics. Cross Fire is hurting us, but couldn't they find a newer face that would breath some fresh air into a daytime program than Blitzer's? You have him for one hour a day now, but three..ouch.