You may know him from your morning or midday routine on Fox 26 in Houston, where he co-anchors the morning show with humor, energy and heart. But behind the Emmy-winning journalist is a man deeply rooted in faith, service and an unshakable love for God.
Whether he’s reporting breaking news or offering a moment of light in the darkness, DaLaun Dillard is living proof that you can share the Gospel boldly and joyfully—even in secular spaces.
Hear the entire conversation between Crystal Thornton and DaLaun Dillard in the Podcast below.
A Call Beyond the Camera
DaLaun never planned to be a journalist. He first went to college for finance, but quickly realized numbers weren’t his calling.
“I auditioned for a semester to be an anchor… and immediately, working that whole semester as a news anchor, learning the ins and outs about journalism, that is what really drew me to it… I just felt like there was an opportunity for me to really put us on a platform and tell the hard stories, the good stories, everything in between.”
Leaning on God in Every Season
From Peoria to Omaha, Cleveland and now Houston, DaLaun has faced challenges that tested both his perseverance and faith.
“I remember thinking, God, I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing, but it doesn’t look like this in front of me. But I had people in my corner supporting me… so I just leaned on God to get me through. Each market had a different challenge, but each time I had to constantly lean on God.”
Finding Peace in Chaos
Even while covering national crises like the protests after George Floyd’s death, DaLaun says God’s presence brought him peace.
“If I’m covering it, if I’m in the midst of chaos, if I’m in a situation that feels a bit uncomfortable, I always remember who put me there first… and I felt almost a sense of peace.”
Ministry in the Morning
In Houston, DaLaun’s light shines even brighter. On the morning show, his bold faith and contagious joy have become part of his ministry.
“I didn’t realize it was a ministry at first… people would honestly say, ‘You really make my day just letting a little bit of God’s light shine through you.’ It hit me where it’s like—I guess it is what I’m doing. The news can be very dark and the opportunity I have to shine God’s light, I’m grateful to do that.”
Boldness Without Apology
DaLaun encourages others to stand firm in who God made them to be, even at work.
“Your gift will make room for you… You don’t have to act like you’re anybody else. Be you and God will open the door for somebody else to accept and love exactly who you are.”
Anchored in Scripture
When asked what grounds him in such a fast-paced industry, DaLaun pointed to a verse that carries him.
“One of my favorite scriptures is in Joel: ‘I will restore to you the years,’ I feel like I’m really in a restoration season right now and that is what has kept me grounded.”
Inspiring Others
Perhaps the greatest confirmation of his calling has been the impact on viewers and even fellow journalists.
“Reading the messages of people that say, ‘I turn on my TV every day just to see what you’re going to joke about with God,’ or journalists who’ve said, ‘I thought I had to hide my faith, but you’ve inspired me to be bold,’ that means so much to me.”
A Final Word
DaLaun Dillard reminds us that faith has no off-switch. It doesn’t pause for a commercial break or dim under studio lights. Whether he’s behind the anchor desk or in the heart of his community, his light is unmistakable.
His challenge to us all? Be yourself, be bold and let God’s light shine wherever He’s placed you.