Iowa TV anchor gets choked up as he quits job and journalism — and slams his station

Dustin Nolan, a morning anchor for NBC-affiliate KWQC-TV 6 in Davenport, Iowa, made a tearful on-air resignation as he announced his departure from the news industry. In a heartfelt speech, Nolan expressed his gratitude to the viewers who had welcomed him into their mornings and emphasized the importance of delivering transparent and fact-driven news coverage to the Quad Cities.

Having worked at KWQC since 2022, Nolan reflected on his dedication to reporting on issues that truly matter to the community. He highlighted the role of local news stations in providing a public service by presenting the facts and challenging viewers to think beyond their comfort zones. Nolan also acknowledged the support of his colleagues, particularly his wife Jenna, who served as his co-anchor on the desk and in life.

Prior to his time at KWQC, Nolan’s career journey began after graduating from Catholic St. Ambrose University in Iowa. He started as a sports reporter in Wyoming before transitioning to Illinois, where he worked at WQAD before eventually becoming a morning news anchor at WFBF. His passion for journalism and commitment to delivering impactful news stories have been evident throughout his career.

Nolan’s emotional farewell and candid criticism of the news industry’s tendency to focus on sensationalized and sanitized content struck a chord with viewers. His decision to step away from journalism in search of a more meaningful and authentic way to serve the community serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible and thought-provoking journalism in today’s media landscape.