Emmy-winning NBC anchor Dustin Nolan announced he would be leaving his job at KWQC TV6 (Iowa) during a live broadcast over the weekend.
“I’ll try to get through this,” Nolan said in a stunning video that’s gone viral.
“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.”
Nolan began to tear up as he described feeling grateful for how viewers have trusted him during his years at the station and how he has pushed to be as transparent as possible.
Nolan did not elaborate specifically on his reasons for leaving but emphasized the importance of delivering more than “sanitized news” to the public.
“When it comes to this job, all I’ve ever wanted to do is report on the issues that really matter. I’ve always believed that we as a local news station, owe you, the viewers, the best that we can do because without you, none of us would be able to do this job,” Nolan said.
“I also believe that we as a local news station have to be more than trends or sanitized news because it makes people feel uncomfortable. That’s why the facts matter and that’s why we do what we do here. We have to take people out of their bubbles and comfort zones and make them think about the world we all live in,” Nolan added.
Take a listen —
WATCH: Emmy-winning reporter and KWQC TV6 morning anchor Dustin Nolan was visibly emotional as he announced on-air Friday that he’s quitting both the station and the news industry. He said the newsroom owed viewers “more than trends or sanitized news”#quadcities #IApol pic.twitter.com/TVOpls7MPs
— Jackie Singh (@HackingButLegal) June 21, 2026
Nolan has worked for KWQC TV6, an NBC-affiliate organization, since 2022.
He and his wife, Jenna, previously took home a Mid-America Emmy in 2025 for Best Morning/Daytime newscast in the medium and small market category.
Nolan also thanked his wife for their work together at the station during his abrupt resignation.