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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
Erica Estep
Kristin Farley
Julya Johnson
Hana Kim
Mike Krafcik
Jessa Lewis
Jill McNeal
Mona Nair
Gene Patterson
Samantha Saracino
Tearsa Smith
Fallon Smith
Lori Tucker
Ken Weathers
Bo Williams
Jim Wogan

Recent Tweets

  • Hinkmologist RT @TearsaSmith: I can't begin to tell you how awesome tonight's @6AroundTown is. We take you to Ober Gatlinburg.  15 sec ago
  • Hinkmologist RT @ericstonestreet: KU & KSU fans. Today: we r not just purple & white people or ruby slipper red & ultramarine blue people. no! today, ...  2 min 31 sec ago
  • Hinkmologist RT @NASA: Did U Know: Saturn's rings are not solid. They consist of ice, dust & rock particles that range in size from grains of sand to ...  6 hours 1 min ago
  • Hinkmologist @RickLaneyPR Hey Rick. I believe that almost qualifies as TMI  6 hours 4 min ago
  • Hinkmologist RT @wateweather: Spotty showers around this a.m. with 2nd line of steadier rain near Nashville. That is here around midday: t.co/ ...  6 hours 21 min ago

Latest News

  • Crews clear most of latest I-40 rock slide in NC
  • Firefighters investigating Saturday morning trailer fire
  • More seniors turning to entrepreneurship
  • State lawmakers welcome Air Force changes
  • Knoxville woman killed in Maynardville crash
  • Greene County 5-year-old called a hero after saving his family
  • Authorities searching for serial bank robber in Knoxville area
  • Crossville police arrest three men following cockfighting investigation
  • Knoxville veterinarians face heartworm medication shortage
  • Top TDEC officials fired by Haslam administration

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