Dobson's departure--effective at the end of February 2010--is just the "third chapter in a transition that began in 2003," when he stepped down as Focus president, said Jim Daly, Focus' president and CEO. Daly added that it was a mutual decision between Dobson and Focus' board of directors--which he left as chairman in February--to leave the radio show.

Dobson, 73, remains "a man of health and vigor" and will continue to make his voice heard in the public square, Daly said. Dobson's books include The New Strong-Willed Child and Bringing Up Boys (both Tyndale House Publishers).

Earlier this year, Focus laid off 8% of its work force, casualties of a donation shortfall. Last fall, Focus eliminated more than 200 staff positions, its largest employee cutback ever, the AP reported.