Longtime WLOX Journalist David Elliott Loses Job Following Social Media Post Labeling Trump Critics as Suffering from a Sickness

An incident involving a Mississippi news anchor highlights the delicate balance between personal opinions and professional responsibilities.

David ‘Dave’ Elliott, a familiar face at Biloxi’s WLOX since 1985, found himself out of a job after expressing his political views on social media.

His comments, which labeled those who dislike Donald Trump as having “a sickness,” stirred up significant backlash and ultimately led to his firing.

The Final Post

Elliott announced his departure from WLOX in a Facebook post, stating, “The corporation doesn’t like my political views.”

This revelation came shortly after he shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), where he suggested that individuals who despise Trump should refrain from voting in the upcoming November 5 election.

In the clip, he characterized his typical stance on voting—urging maximum participation—as inconsistent with his new suggestion.

“This is so unlike me because I’m usually a ‘vote, vote, vote’ guy,” he explained.

Strong Words on Voting

In his self-filmed video, Elliott expressed that if someone’s hatred for Trump was so intense that they considered voting for Kamala Harris, they should “stay home” instead.

He referred to this level of animosity as “kind of a sickness” and questioned whether voters truly understood Harris or her policies.

This provocative stance was presented as a public service announcement, which drew attention for its contentious nature.

The Termination Announcement

Following the fallout from his comments, Elliott told the Sun Herald that he was informed of his termination by WLOX’s general manager, Rick Williams, in a brief conversation.

He remarked, “X was brought up in the conversation, which lasted about 30 seconds because I left.

I was like ‘Okay, see ya.’” His quick exit indicates that he was not surprised by the repercussions of his online activity.

Broader Media Standards

Elliott’s case raises questions about the expectations for journalists, especially concerning their conduct on social media.

Many media organizations have guidelines that require reporters to maintain objectivity both in their professional roles and personal online interactions.

A former WLOX weekend anchor responded to Elliott’s video, questioning how he could still view himself as a journalist after making such statements.

A Different Perspective on Social Media

Elliott defended his position in an interview, stating that he differentiates between his professional duties and his social media presence.

He views social media as a platform for personal expression, saying, “I don’t consider social media journalism. Social media is a toy.

I have fun. I play. I look at it as satire. I get paid for doing television.”

This perspective illustrates the growing tension between personal expression and professional ethics in the age of social media.

What Lies Ahead?

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Elliott’s situation prompts important discussions about the responsibilities of journalists and the implications of their personal beliefs on their careers.

The future of media may require a reevaluation of how reporters navigate their personal and professional identities, especially in a world where social media plays an increasingly significant role.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn