Former WFAA Anchor Marc Istook Embraces Life After TV News

The Dallas morning anchor signed off from Tegna with an emotional goodbye last month.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:04am

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An abstract composition of stark, angular black shapes against a bright white background, conceptually representing the emotional journey of leaving a high-pressure media career.A veteran TV news anchor embraces a new chapter after an emotional departure from the industry.Dallas Today

A month and a half ago, FTVLive reported that WFAA (Dallas) morning anchor Marc Istook signed off from the Tegna (soon to be Nexstar) station in an emotional goodbye. Now, it appears Istook is embracing his life after leaving the TV news industry.

Why it matters

Istook's departure from WFAA is representative of the broader changes happening in the TV news landscape, as major station groups like Tegna are acquired by larger media companies like Nexstar. His story provides a glimpse into how veteran anchors are navigating life after long careers in local news.

The details

After signing off from WFAA, Istook left the station with tears running down his face, according to the original FTVLive report. Now, a month and a half later, it seems Istook is enjoying his newfound freedom from the daily grind of morning TV news.

  • Istook signed off from WFAA about a month and a half ago.

The players

Marc Istook

A former morning anchor at WFAA, the ABC affiliate in Dallas, Texas.

Tegna

The media company that previously owned WFAA, which is now being acquired by Nexstar Media Group.

FTVLive

The media industry news website that originally reported on Istook's emotional departure from WFAA.

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The takeaway

Istook's transition from a long career in local TV news to life after the industry provides a relatable example of how veteran journalists are adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape.