This story suddenly becomes more interesting: As soon as Bob Novak‘s contract with CNN runs out on Dec. 31, he will become a contributor to the Fox News Channel, the AP scoops. FNC spokesman Brian Lewis confirmed his signing with the network to David Bauder. “Novak said the switch to Fox had nothing to do with finding a more comfortable home for his views.”

“I don’t think that’s a factor,” Novak said. “In 25 years I was never censored by CNN and I said some fairly outrageous things and some very conservative things. I don’t want to give the impression that they were muzzling me and I had to go to a place that wouldn’t muzzle me.”

The questions are obvious: Why didn’t Novak stay at CNN as a “contributor?” How often will Novak appear on FNC? How long has this been in the works? What are the odds that he’ll storm off a set?

> Update: 12:50pm: Within minutes of the announcement that Novak was leaving CNN, commenters on Think Progress predicted the move. “Fox News must be in his future,” one person said. “He’ll be on Fox before the end of January,” said another…