AN emotional Mal Walden has read his final bulletin for Channel 10, after 26 years with the network.

Walden teared up when thanking his wife Pauline, family and viewers as he said goodbye.

"I've reported and read my way through countless bulletins, I think 12,000 was the last count,'' he said.

"But I could not have done it without help.

"Personal help from my family, Pauline, Sarah and James... they have been my rock.''

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The bulletin started like every other normal one for Walden - a calm and measured delivery.

Farewell messages were aired by Premier Denis Napthine, Ron Barassi, former newsreader David Johnston, Molly Meldrum, Eddie McGuire, Sandra Sully and Bert Newton.

It was only when long time colleague and friend Mike Larkan signed off to Walden for the final time that he got emotional.

media_camera Mal Walden (centre) after reading his final bulletin for Channel 10. Picture: Tony Gough

Walden said the support from the community has been amazing.

"I've been bowled over by it," he said.

"Everyone has been very supportive from the world go.

"It's been quite amazing, I'm very, very chuffed.''

Walden has been working in media for more than 50 years.

He attributed his longevity to changing with the times.

"You have to reassess your situation with each change and adapt and that's what I've done.''

Walden plans to work on releasing his memoirs, from diaries he has written for all the years of the half a decade he has worked in the media.

Originally published as Emotional Walden signs off