John McLoughlin, the veteran political reporter who served as the authoritative voice of Albany’s NEWS10 ABC for nearly four decades, died on May 5, 2026, at the age of 83. A titan of Capital Region journalism, he was known for a dogged, old-school reporting style that earned him the trust of both the public and the politicians he covered.

Born in South Troy, New York, as the son of a local firefighter, McLoughlin carried the tenacity of his blue-collar neighborhood throughout his life. He graduated from the LaSalle Institute, a private Catholic college preparatory school in Troy, before attending Siena College in Loudonville. It was during his college years that he co-founded and played center for the Troy Titans, a semi-professional football team. That same grit on the gridiron translated seamlessly into his professional life. He began his journalism career in May 1965 as a reporter for The Record in Troy, eventually joining the Albany Times Union in 1966 to begin a long association with the Capital Region's primary newspaper.

McLoughlin witnessed major twentieth-century events firsthand, notably covering the violent conclusion of the 1971 Attica Correctional Facility uprising prisoner takeover. His transition from print to television began when he debuted on WTEN in April 1972 as a part-time political commentator while still writing for the Times Union, according to the Times Union. By February 1973, he had moved to full-time television reporting. He spent nearly 39 years as a lead political reporter for NEWS10 ABC, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Capital Region news. Former State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno perfectly captured his conspiratorial, old-school approach, recalling how McLoughlin would lean in and say in his husky voice, "Just between us..."

He used his position to navigate the halls of power with unmatched skill. In 2004, he conducted a high-profile exclusive interview with Bishop Howard Hubbard regarding sensitive allegations against the diocese, as reported by the Times Union. Reflecting on his career, McLoughlin noted, "For a kid from South Troy, it was just a fantastic thing. You got a front-row seat on things happening in your community and your state, for years and years." He retired from NEWS10 ABC in January 2011, but his drive kept him in the media. He joined WNYT as a part-time reporter three days a week and served as a weekly political columnist for the Daily Gazette in Schenectady. Retired Times Union reporter Joe Picchi remembered him fondly, calling him a great friend and a tremendous political reporter.

Beyond the news desk, McLoughlin dedicated decades of service to the Center for Disability Services, hosting telethons and fundraising events. His tireless work was honored during a 2011 tribute roast with the establishment of the John McLoughlin Fund within the organization. He spent his final days in residence at the Teresian House, an assisted living and nursing facility in Albany. (Times Union)

John McLoughlin leaves behind a legacy defined by an unwavering commitment to truth and community. He transformed his front-row seat to history into a public service, guiding generations of viewers through the complexities of state politics with the familiar, trusted voice of a neighbor. His journey from a South Troy football field to the pinnacle of New York journalism stands as a testament to the power of hard work, genuine curiosity, and a deep love for the people he served.