Telling Lancaster’s Stories
By Jacob Hall

Can you share a little about yourself? Where are you from, and what led you into a career in journalism?

I grew up right outside of Nashville, Tennessee, in a city called Mt. Juliet. I played sports my entire life and knew I wanted to have a career that incorporated sports in some way. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to go into journalism, and particularly sports journalism. I attended college at Kansas State University, graduating in 2022, and landed my first job at WGAL, which is what brought me to Lancaster.

What does your role as a news anchor at WGAL look like on a day-to-day basis?

My role at WGAL varies on a day-to-day basis depending on what time of year it is. For instance, fall is an extremely busy time of year, between covering our local high school football teams during the season, in addition to Penn State, other local colleges, and professional teams. I have also had the chance to be a part of Olympics coverage and other special programming. I have had the opportunity to cover news such as the recent snowstorm we had in January as well. On a normal day, I arrive at our office around 3:00 p.m. and work until 11:30 p.m. after the evening newscast is completed.

What do you enjoy most about telling stories in and around the Lancaster community?

One of my favorite parts of telling stories in and around the Lancaster community is having the opportunity to meet new people and make an impact. I truly believe everyone has a story, and it’s rewarding to be able to share those stories with others across the community and the greater central Pennsylvania region.

Throughout your career, what is one story or moment that has stayed with you and why?

It’s hard to put the last 3 and a half years into one memory or moment, but my favorite story I’ve done was the story of a high school football player who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It meant a lot to me to share his story because I was diagnosed with T1D about 10 months before him, so I was inspired by his resilience and his ability to overcome adversity. My favorite moment was having the opportunity to cover the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade last February in Philadelphia.

As someone who regularly speaks with community leaders and organizations, what trends or challenges are you seeing in Lancaster right now?

I see a lot of positive things in Lancaster right now. There is strong leadership across many sectors, and local businesses are thriving and finding new ways to grow and succeed. 

What role do you think media plays in strengthening communities and bringing awareness to important issues?

I think the role that media, and especially WGAL, plays in the community is telling people’s stories and informing the viewers of what is happening in their communities.

What advice would you give to young professionals or students who are interested in journalism, communications, or storytelling?

Find mentors in the industry who are doing the job that you are interested in. Don’t let your age stop you from chasing your dreams, and try to find internships or other opportunities to get valuable experience that you can add to a resume.

What does the phrase “Next Generation of Lancaster” mean to you?

To me, the phrase “Next Generation of Lancaster” means there are people in the community who are committed to making sure the future of Lancaster is bright and full of opportunities. I think it also reflects the idea that the current generation has laid a strong foundation that the next generation of leaders will carry forward.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Lancaster and the leaders who are emerging here?

What excites me most is the number of young people who are stepping up and getting involved in the community. The next generation of leaders are passionate about making a difference and helping shape the future of business and growth in the community.

This blog features Jacob Hall, news anchor at WGAL, whose work focuses on sharing the stories, people, and moments that shape Lancaster and the surrounding region. In this Blog Spotlight feature, Jacob reflects on his journey from Tennessee to Central Pennsylvania, his passion for sports journalism, and the role storytelling plays in connecting communities and highlighting the individuals who make Lancaster a special place to live and work.