Local news anchor quits live on air in emotional plea for facts over sanitized news
Local Iowa news anchor Dustin Nolan announced he would be leaving his job at KWQC TV6 during a live broadcast on Friday, where he emphasized the importance of delivering more than "sanitized news" to the public.
Former Iowa news anchor Dustin Nolan released a statement clarifying his now viral farewell from KWQC TV6 on Friday.
"Facts matter," Nolan began his statement on Monday. "Journalism matters. Being truthful matters. That was my message on Friday, and now it's being twisted to fit whatever ideology people want. I was not going to speak on the virality of my farewell message and hoped the interest would fade. But now, seeing multiple publications twist my words into unintended meanings, I feel I must set the record straight."
Nolan was referring to his announcement during a KWQC TV6 broadcast where he revealed he was stepping down from his job and the news industry.
Dustin Nolan gave his final broadcast on KWQC-TV6 on Friday. (KWQC-TV6/Screenshot)
"I’ll try to get through this," Nolan said. "Well, before we go this morning, I have an announcement. Today is my last day here at KWQC TV6. I have chosen to step away from the news industry. Before I say goodbye, I just want to say, I hope every one of you that’s allowed me to be a part of your mornings know just how important that I have taken this job."
Since his comments gained nationwide attention, Nolan pushed back against what he described as a twist of his story to fit a narrative agenda.
"First I was not quitting on-air. I decided with my wife months ago, and the station had the job posted months ago. Second, I was not blasting the news station or the news industry. I was simply explaining my approach to journalism and reminding everyone why we do what we do. Finally, I was not fired or forced out. Again, this was a hard decision for me, but one that will allow me to follow a dream I've always had," Nolan wrote.
PBS AFFILIATE BOARD CHAIRMAN UNDER FIRE AFTER SAYING HE HOPES TRUMP SUFFERS STROKE
Dustin Nolan claimed that his comments were twisted by some publications to create an agenda. (Britta Pedersen/DPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Nolan added that he was not at liberty to discuss his future plans at the time.
He also attacked publications who published the story "without asking for context" and framed his decision as a stance against journalism.
"To the publications that posted this story without asking for context and those who grasped at straws to create a storyline that simply isn't there, you're part of the problem. Especially the ones who used our son's name in the story without our permission. Shame on you. To those who may be disappointed to hear that this wasn't an anchor taking a stand against the industry, I hope you know that local journalists are working hard every day to be the difference in the industry. Our world needs strong journalists now more than ever," Nolan said.
ILLINOIS TV ANCHOR RESIGNS AFTER SUSPENSION OVER 'NON-PARTISAN' CHARLIE KIRK TRIBUTE
He closed by thanking the people in the Quad Cities who reached out to him since his departure.
Dustin Nolan stood by his work in journalism in his statement Monday. (iStock)
In an additional comment to Fox News Digital, Nolan stood by his statement, claiming it "speaks for itself."
"I really just wanted to thank our viewers for welcoming us into their homes each morning and tell them how I've approached my job. I really did not expect people to take what I said and twist it into a narrative I never intended," Nolan said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital reached out to KWQC TV6 for comment.
Nolan has worked for KWQC TV6, an NBC-affiliate organization, since 2022. He and his wife previously took home a Mid-America Emmy in 2025 for Best Morning/Daytime newscast in the medium and small market category.
