Mountain Lake PBS announces the retirement of Thom Hallock from his full-time role as Host and Producer of Mountain Lake Journal. Thom has been a central voice at the station since 2008, following a distinguished career as an anchor and journalist at WPTZ and other commercial stations.
Although retiring from daily work, Thom will remain a regular presence to viewers. He and his wife Jackie are relocating to Massena, New York, but Thom will continue to volunteer at Mountain Lake PBS. Beginning this fall, he will host a new monthly Reporter Roundtable edition of Mountain Lake Journal, to air the fourth Friday of each month. The program will bring audiences behind the headlines of the top news stories impacting the region.
In his time at the station, Thom has grown Mountain Lake Journal into the respected program it is today. He has moderated countless station and community events, as well as multiple candidate debates for congressional, mayoral, and state assembly races. As the Director of Production and Content, Thom’s vision and steady voice have helped shape both Mountain Lake Journal and Mountain Lake PBS, earning the trust of viewers throughout the region.
Weekly production of Mountain Lake Journal will now be led by producer Paul Larson, a familiar face at Mountain Lake PBS. Together with Michael C. Hansen, a longtime producer and editor at the station, the team will continue to deliver the quality and local commitment that Mountain Lake audiences expect and deserve. Both Larson and Hansen are multiple Emmy Award winners who bring extensive experience and a commitment to the kind of storytelling and community connection that Thom Hallock has championed throughout his tenure.
“Thom has dedicated his career to thoughtful, in-depth journalism that connects our viewers to the issues and stories that matter most,” said Bill McColgan, President and CEO of Mountain Lake PBS. “Our station has benefited so much from his years of leadership, and we are thrilled and grateful that he will continue to be important presence on Mountain Lake Journal.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to tell your stories and cover the news in the North Country and Adirondack region over the last 30 years. Thank you for trusting me and welcoming me into your homes,” said Thom Hallock. “I look forward to continuing to volunteer for Mountain Lake PBS as a part-time host and moderator. I also want to thank Mountain Lake PBS for stewarding the Tristan Fund and Hallock Giving Library, which my wife, Jackie, and I remain committed to overseeing, with the mission of getting thousands of new and free books into the hands of children across the North Country.”
Thom’s legacy at Mountain Lake PBS extends beyond his on-camera work. The Tristan Fund and Hallock Giving Library, created in memory of Thom and Jackie’s infant son Tristan, has delivered thousands of free books to children across the North Country. Mountain Lake PBS continues to foster this initiative, ensuring its lasting impact.
Mountain Lake PBS thanks Thom for his 17 years of service and his ongoing commitment to the station and community.
About Mountain Lake PBS
Mountain Lake PBS, based in Plattsburgh, New York, is the public media station serving the Adirondacks, Champlain Valley and Quebec. For nearly 50 years, the station has delivered trusted news, educational resources, and cultural programming that reflect and connect the communities it serves. The mission of Mountain Lake PBS is to inspire and enrich people and communities through meaningful entertainment, education, and public engagement.