Dave Elliott, fired by WLOX-TV, has a new job. Here’s where South MS news anchor landed.
Longtime news anchor David “Dave” Elliott, who said he was fired from WLOX-TV because of his political views, has been snapped up by rival station WXXV-TV.
“Dave brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in Mississippi journalism,” a news release from the television station says.
Elliott’s first appearance as an anchor will be on the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news on Monday, November 25. The newscasts air on NBC.
Elliott went to work at WLOX in 1985 and lost his job Oct. 25. WLOX general manager Rick Williams mentioned Elliott’s feed on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he has posted multiple videos about the presidential race. But Elliott said he didn’t hang around to hear details, saying “See ya,” after 30 seconds.
“Dave Elliott has made a significant impact on Mississippi journalism over the years,” WXXV general manager Don Moore said in the news release announcing Elliott’s hiring. “Twice recognized by the Magnolia Tribune as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Mississippians, he is well-regarded as a leader in the industry and across the state.”
Elliott also has been inducted into the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcast Association Hall of Fame, the news release points out.
Dave Elliott talks about his new job
Elliott told the Sun Herald after Wednesday morning’s announcement that he’s looking forward to his new job.
“I feel re-energized,” Elliott said. “I’m ready for a change of scenery. This has been in the works for months.”
“I don’t look back. I’m a forward thinker and I’m all about the future.”
Elliott did say he plans to be “maybe a little more of a restrained Dave Elliott on social media because I think it would be a good idea on my part.”
He posted a video to X Wednesday morning about the presidential election results, ordering breakfast by saying, “I’ll have bacon, eggs and a side of landslide victory,” and going on to say Trump will accomplish a lot before he takes office.
Elliott also said that he’s committed to generating revenue for WXXV, even if that means bringing over advertisers from WLOX, which has the larger audience.
“I’m really looking forward to affecting the ratings here in the market,” he said, “although I’m not naive enough to believe that I alone can do that.”
This story was originally published November 6, 2024 at 8:58 AM.
