FOX 26 Houston KRIV morning anchor DaLaun Dillard is leaving the station Friday, October 23, 2026, ending his three-year run.
Dillard announced his departure in an Instagram post, reflecting on his time in Houston and the connection he built with viewers.
“Some chapters are harder to close than others,” Dillard wrote. “This Friday will mark the end of my chapter at FOX 26.”
The television journalist also shared how much the city and its residents have meant to him during his time in Houston.
“Houston, I genuinely struggle to find the words to describe just how much I love this city. How much I love Y’ALL,” he wrote.
Dillard thanked viewers for embracing him both on and off the air, saying the community had welcomed him like family.
“Thank you for loving ALLLLLL of me. Thank you for adopting me as y’all’s son, nephew, brother, cousin, etc. Thank you for giving me the freedom to simply be… ME,” he wrote.
While Dillard did not announce his next career move, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had and optimism about what comes next.
“As this chapter comes to a close, I’m grateful for every blessing it brought and excited for all that God is writing in the next chapter,” he wrote. “God’s hand has never stopped covering me, and for that, I’m thankful. His favor ain’t fair.”
He closed his message with a simple farewell to his Houston audience: “I love y’all. We’ll talk soon.”
DaLaun Dillard Joined FOX 26 in December 2023
Dillard joined FOX 26 in December 2023 as the successor to longtime Houston morning anchor Jose Griñan. He debuted on Houston's Morning Show on December 18, 2023.
- The time he finished saying what he doesn't like after the pickle lemonade taste test
He co-anchored the weekday morning newscast alongside Melissa Wilson from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and also anchored FOX 26's noon newscast.
When Dillard's hiring was announced, Aaron Fernandez-Wische, then vice president of content and distribution, praised his commitment to community journalism.
“DaLaun is committed to reporting on a community's challenges and triumphs,” Fernandez-Wische said. “He's personable, engaging and a great fit for 'Houston's Morning Show.' We're excited for Houstonians to welcome DaLaun as part of their busy morning routines.”
Dillard also expressed enthusiasm about joining the Houston community.
“I am honored for the opportunity to help Houstonians start their day,” he said at the time. “I am passionate about serving my local community so I cannot wait to get involved in this city that I already love, rich in culture, diversity, and delicious food.”
DaLaun Dillard's Broadcasting Career
Before moving to Houston, Dillard worked as a weekday evening anchor and reporter at WEWS News 5 in Cleveland, Ohio. During his time there, he won two Emmy Awards for his reporting and covered major stories across the state, including the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Before Cleveland, Dillard anchored and reported for KETV 7 in Omaha, Nebraska, and worked as a reporter and anchor at WMBD in Peoria, Illinois, a Nexstar-owned station.
His work also earned a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for team coverage of protests following the murder of George Floyd.
Originally from Battle Creek, Michigan, Dillard graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in communications and broadcast and cinematic arts.
Outside the newsroom, he is involved with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., The 100 Black Men of America and the National Association of Black Journalists. He has spoken about his passion for using journalism to highlight stories that uplift and impact the Black community.
(Thanks, Shad!)
