Former Iowa news anchor Dustin Nolan has issued a statement to correct what he described as misinterpretations of his on-air farewell from KWQC TV6. Nolan stated that his departure was not a spontaneous on-air resignation or a protest against the news industry, but rather a pre-planned decision made with his wife months ago.
"Facts matter," Nolan began in 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's comments come after his Friday announcement during a KWQC TV6 broadcast where he stated he was stepping down from his job and the news industry. "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," he said at the time.
He further clarified that the station had posted his job opening months prior, indicating the decision was long-standing. Nolan also refuted claims that he was criticizing the station or the news industry, explaining that he was instead articulating his approach to journalism and emphasizing its importance. "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," he stated.
Nolan emphasized that he was neither fired nor forced out, reiterating that his departure was a difficult but personal choice to pursue a long-held dream. He also criticized media outlets that he accused of publishing his story without seeking context or creating narratives that were not supported by facts. "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," Nolan said. He expressed particular disapproval of outlets that mentioned his son's name without permission.
"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," he added.
Nolan, who has worked at the NBC-affiliate KWQC TV6 since 2022, previously received a Mid-America Emmy in 2025 with his wife for Best Morning/Daytime newscast. He told Fox News Digital that his statement speaks for itself and reiterated his gratitude to viewers for their support. "I really did not expect people to take what I said and twist it into a narrative I never intended," Nolan said.