Longtime KOLR anchor exits suddenly

David Oliver worked for the television station for 17 years.

David Oliver, a KOLR anchor for nearly two decades, announced his sudden exit from the CBS television affiliate.

Oliver did not state a reason in a Feb. 5 Facebook post on his professional page. Reached this morning, he declined to comment beyond the statement in the Facebook post.

"I wanted to let you know that my time at KOLR10 has come to an end," he said in the post. "It’s been an honor to share the news with you over these last 17 years. Thank you for your care and kindness to me and my children."

He further said in the post that the TV station's newsroom is "filled with talented and dedicated journalists who work hard to keep you informed" and to "keep watching them and supporting local news."

Oliver confirmed to Springfield Business Journal that he hired Kansas City attorney Eric Dirks of Williams Dirks Dameron LLC. Oliver declined to say why he hired the attorney, and Dirks could not be reached for comment by deadline.

Dirks' focus is on business disputes between companies and workers, injuries, commercial litigation, trademark and copyright infringement, class action, wage and hour, and personal injury, according to the law firm's website.

Gary Weitman, executive vice president and chief communications officer for KOLR owner Nexstar Media Group Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST), declined to comment, citing company policy on personnel matters.

For the nine-month period that ended Sept. 30, Irving, Texas-based Nexstar reported a 61% increase in revenue to $3.1 billion and a more than 263% jump in net income to $445.1 million, according to its investor relations website.

Nexstar also owns local stations KOZL, a MyNetworkTV affiliate, and KRBK, affiliated with Fox.

Oliver has been an anchor and reporter at KOLR since 2003, according to his LinkedIn profile. Before that, he worked at stations in Boise, Idaho, and Topeka and Wichita, Kansas.