Skip to main content
  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mobile
  • Home
  • News
  • Weather
  • Sports
  • Community
  • Lifestyle
  • About WATE

Meet the 6 News Team

Matt Hinkin

Chief Meteorologist
Date of Joining WATE: 
February 1990
Send a message to Matt
Follow Matt on Twitter: @hinkmologist
Become a friend of Matt on Facebook
Birthplace/Hometown: 
Lawton, Okla.
Education: 
  • Bachelor Of Science - Kansas State University
  • Atmospheric Science Degree - University Of Kansas

Certified Broadcast MeteorologistMatt is recognized by the American Meteorological Society as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.

National Weather AssociationMatt is recognized by the National Weather Association for earning its Seal of Approval for meteorological competency and clear delivery of weather information.


Previous Media Experience: 
  • KSNF-TV, Joplin, Mo. (Reporter/Photographer/Editor/Meteorologist)
  • KSNT-TV, Topeka, Kan. (Photographer/Meteorologist)
Personal Information: 

Matt is married to the former Deb Jack of Knoxville. He moved here for a job as a single man and fell in love with a "southern girl."  They have have a son named Joshua. They also have a lab named "Tucker," who is NOT named for Lori Tucker!

Outside Interests/Hobbies: 
  • Golf, hiking, singing, spending time at the lake, working on the lawn
  • Member, Emerald Youth Foundation Board of Directors
  • Member, Knoxville Nativity Pageant Advisory Board
What You Enjoy About Local News: 

I not only enjoy the challenge of forecasting, but the contact with the community. Visiting schools and speaking at a number of community events are the highlights of my job. I love the way people trust me to deliver their weather. I consider it an honor that viewers allow me into their home every night.

Media Awards and Honors: 
  • Nominated for three regional Emmys for Best Weathercast
  • Won the MetroPulse Best of Knoxville contest in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2004.
  • Won The Knoxville News-Sentinel's Best of Knoxville Contest in 2000.

Meet the Other Members of the 6 News Team

Josh Ault
Stephanie Beecken
Don Dare
Prentice Elliott
Kristin Farley
Drew Gardner
Hayley Harmon
Julya Johnson
Mike Krafcik
Jessa Lewis
Samantha Manning
Jill McNeal
Mona Nair
Gene Patterson
Tearsa Smith
Fallon Smith
Lori Tucker
Ken Weathers
Bo Williams
Jim Wogan
Alexis Zotos

Recent Tweets

  • Hinkmologist Knoxville Almanac for SUN 5/19/13: High: 77° Low: 66° Rain: .46" (averages: 79°/57°) -Meteorologist Ken Weathers  4 hours 36 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Strongest storms remain SW of the @6News viewing area & are moving SE-25mph. A few more storms poss thru this eve t.co/1wePbG3rdZ  7 hours 4 min ago
  • Hinkmologist NOT in the @6News viewing area. Tornado WARNING for Sequatchie Co. moving SE-25mph (towards Dunlap & Soddie Daisy) t.co/vgLeoJ4Bor  7 hours 39 min ago
  • Hinkmologist ALL warnings have expired across East Tennessee, but moderate to heavy rain and lightning are still possible w/ some storms the afternoon  8 hours 9 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Severe storm with 1" hail moving ESE-20mph across W. Knox Co.. Seek shelter immediately: t.co/AEbKNw2G4x  9 hours 25 min ago

Latest News

  • Heavy rain causes sinkholes, power outages in East Tennessee
  • Chattanooga adding hundreds of hotel rooms
  • Chattanooga Powerball ticket worth $1 million
  • Planners looking at convention center growth
  • Medical emergency eyed in Va. parade crash
  • Loan program for soldiers extended
  • KCSO: Knox County man arrested for killing brother
  • 1 winning ticket sold in Fla. on Powerball
  • First lady to high school grads: live your dreams
  • Knoxville Powerball players explain how they would spend $600 million

All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Young Broadcasting of Knoxville, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.