It’s clear that the issue of entitled behavior among certain individuals persists in our society. Take, for example, a long-time news anchor at WLOX in Biloxi since 1985. He seemed to believe he could express himself freely on social media without facing any consequences. However, once his video was shared on Twitter, Dave Elliot quickly learned that such actions do not go unchecked. This incident highlights the importance of accountability and respectful communication in today’s digital age.
Source: SunHerald.com
David “Dave” Elliott, a well-known and respected figure at WLOX-TV, claims he was dismissed on Friday morning due to his personal political posts on X, the platform formerly recognized as Twitter. This situation raises important questions about freedom of expression and its impact on professional environments.
Elliott announced his departure on his public and personal Facebook pages.
“I’m no longer at WLOX as of 10-25-24,” Elliott wrote Friday morning. “The corporation doesn’t like my political views.”
Typical MAGA response. And he’s probably already claiming his First Amendment right was infringed.
Bottom line: Many companies, particularly those serving a diverse clientele, request their high-profile employees refrain from expressing strong biases publicly, whether they be political, religious, or racial. Elliott was probably aware of this expectation since WLOX is committed to maintaining its reputation as a non-biased outfit. Their mission is to provide impartial news coverage that empowers viewers to form opinions based on the facts presented. By adhering to these guidelines, employees help uphold the integrity and trustworthiness that audiences rely on.
If Elliott had expressed that opinion to friends or family privately, there would have been no problem. But, he spoke publicly as “News Anchor David Elliott,” essentially using his employer’s platform and WLOX’s clout to further his political opinions.
And when it comes to Freedom of Speech, it’s important to recognize that what Elliott did was within his legal rights. Our First Amendment safeguards his ability to express his opinion without facing government repercussions. Yet, it’s equally important to understand that our words can ALWAYS HAVE consequences and often impact relationships with employers, family members, and loved ones.
Our First Amendment doesn’t guarantee your words won’t get you fired.
So, what did Elliot say via his X post?
“I’d like to see 100% voter turnout, whether it’s for your local sheriff or president of the United States, but if your hatred for Donald Trump is so strong — that’s kind of a sickness, by the way — but if it’s so strong that you’re planning to go in that voting booth and vote for Kamala Harris, do you listen to her? Do you know anything about her?”
“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.”
What a wonderful way to show your a**.
And the old fella had worked at WLOX for 39 years. One would assume he was past making amateur mistakes.
“X was brought up in the conversation, which lasted only about 30 seconds because I left,” Elliott told the Sun Herald. “I was like, ‘OK, see ya.”
