Former Iowa news anchor Dustin Nolan issued a statement on Friday to clarify the circumstances surrounding his departure from KWQC TV6, which has drawn mixed reactions.
In his statement, which he shared on Monday, Nolan emphasized, “Facts matter. Journalism matters. It matters what’s true.” He expressed frustration that his words had been misinterpreted to fit various agendas. He had initially hoped that the attention around his farewell announcement would diminish, but the response led him to feel the need to correct the record.
Nolan revealed during a broadcast on KWQC TV6 that he was stepping away from journalism entirely. He reflected on his career and the significance of his role, stating, “To those of you who have allowed me to be a part of your morning, I hope you know how important it is that I got this job.” His comments struck a chord and garnered wider attention.
However, he clarified that leaving was a decision made months earlier with his wife, not a spur-of-the-moment decision made on-air. He noted he wasn’t criticizing the media; rather, he was sharing his perspective on journalism. “I wasn’t fired or forced out,” he stated, reinforcing that, while it was a tough choice, it aligned with a lifelong dream.
As Nolan’s comments circulated, he voiced his discontent with how certain publications used his words without seeking further context to craft stories that suited their narratives. He noted with disappointment the mishandling of his children’s names in some articles: “To the publishers who made up a far-fetched story, you are part of the problem.” He reaffirmed his belief in the importance of diligent, impactful journalism, especially during challenging times.
Nolan expressed gratitude to the Quad Cities community for their support since his exit, reflecting on the unexpected twist his farewell had taken. “I really wanted to thank the audience for welcoming us into their home every morning,” he remarked, disappointed by the reinterpretation of his sentiments.
He stood firm on his message, feeling it “speaks for itself,” and has not disclosed his future plans yet.
Mr. Nolan had worked at KWQC TV6, an NBC affiliate, since 2022, with his team previously recognized with a Mid-America Emmy Award for their morning news program.
