News Anchor Fired After Sharing Political Stance on Social Media

David “Dave” Elliott, a well-known face on South Mississippi’s WLOX, has announced he was fired after nearly 40 years with the station. The veteran anchor, who once joked he’d “die of old age” in his WLOX anchor chair, is now out of a job, reportedly due to his outspoken political views on social media.

The news hit after Elliott posted to Facebook, writing, “I’m no longer at WLOX as of 10-25-24. The corporation doesn’t like my political views.” His statements come following a series of social media posts that stirred debate.

Elliott recently shared a video urging those who, out of “hatred” for former President Donald Trump, might be voting against him rather than for a candidate they support. “Usually, I’m a ‘vote, vote, vote!’ guy,” he said in the video. “But if your hatred for Donald Trump is so strong…do yourself, do the country, do the world a favor and just sit it out. Stay home, don’t vote. This has been a public service announcement.”

The longtime anchor has shared several politically charged posts since August, often tagging figures such as Elon Musk and Juanita Broaddrick, who has publicly accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault. In comments to the Biloxi Sun Herald, Elliott noted that WLOX General Manager Rick Williams informed him of his termination, adding that “X was brought up in the conversation, which lasted only about 30 seconds, because I left, I was like, ‘OK, see ya.’”

Elliott defended his social media presence as satirical and separate from his news role. “I don’t consider social media journalism,” he explained. “Social media is a toy. I have fun. I play. I look at it as satire. I get paid for doing television.”

With nearly four decades behind the WLOX desk, Elliott’s departure underscores an ongoing debate over journalistic neutrality, free speech, and corporate control. What is clear is that after almost 40 years, a Mississippi icon is signing off—for good.