There was a time when going from network to cable would be compared to a demotion from the N.Y. Yankees to the Toledo Mud Hens.

That’s changed, and that’s one reason why John Stossel, a longtime fixture on ABC’s “20/20,” has moved to a new cable station to host “Stossel” (7 p.m., Fox Business Network) and to appear regularly on other shows on Fox News, including “The O’Reilly Factor” (7 p.m., Fox News).

In a phone interview conducted last week, Stossel cited declining numbers for “20/20,” down from 15 million to around 5 million, a number that “The Factor” approaches, when repeat airings are taken into account.

Stossel felt that his new job at FBN and exposure on Fox News will allow him more airtime to examine contemporary issues and economics from a libertarian perspective.

The move also entails a lot of work and new challenges. Stossel appreciated the fact that his ABC job allowed him “plenty of time to make little movies” about particular ideas. “Stossel” calls on him to host a new show every week and to do it live to tape before a studio audience, something he’s not done before.

As we spoke, the topic for the first “Stossel” was still up in the air. He seemed torn between a look at the enduring legacy of Ayn Rand’s novel “Atlas Shrugged,” still selling and generating controversy after 52 years, and an interview with Whole Foods Chairman and co-founder John Mackey, whose public criticism of health-care reform legislation sparked boycotts of his stores. Or, suggested the show’s cheerful publicist, the first “Stossel” might be devoted to the Copenhagen climate summit. Stay tuned.

• As the title suggests, “Pedigree Dogs Exposed” (7 p.m., BBC America) looks at the dark side of breed competitions like Westminster in the United States and Crufts in the United Kingdom. It argues quite forcefully that many breeds have been genetically mutated to conform to arbitrary cosmetic standards. The results have been disastrous.

A frightening percentage of one breed now has a skull too small for its brain, resulting in frequent and agonizing seizures. Many breeds can no longer mate without assistance or give birth without surgery. Some contend that constant inbreeding may lead to extinction.

One recent Crufts winner, a Pekingese, required special surgery just to breathe normally and has to sit on ice packs during press conferences so it won’t die from the heat. And this “champion” has gone on to sire new generations of unhealthy mutants. This is one “Best in Show” expose you won’t be laughing at.

Tonight’s other highlights

• Zooey Deschanel (sister to star Emily Deschanel) guest stars on “Bones” (7 p.m., Fox).

• Susan Lucci serves as grand marshal of the 78th annual “Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m., MyNetwork).

• “Viva Nelson Mandela: A Hero for All Seasons” (7 p.m., Documentary) celebrates the South African’s 90th birthday.

• Phyllis plays Santa on “The Office” (8 p.m., NBC).

• Birthday at a biker bar on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).

• A patient shows off his brainy side on “Fringe” (8 p.m., Fox).

• Jack reconnects with a high school crush on “30 Rock” (8:30 p.m., NBC).

• A jeweler’s murder on “The Mentalist” (9 p.m., CBS).