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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
Mike Krafcik
Jessa Lewis
Jill McNeal
Mona Nair
Gene Patterson
Samantha Saracino
Tearsa Smith
Fallon Smith
Lori Tucker
Ken Weathers
Bo Williams
Jim Wogan
Alexis Zotos

Recent Tweets

  • Hinkmologist With @gpatterson12 , Emcee's at Blount Memorial cancer survivor's Day. t.co/m6IDSNG2  12 hours 4 min ago
  • Hinkmologist @BrianTrauring Be sure not to overdue all those tweets now. I mean really. How long has it been?  2 days 3 hours ago
  • Hinkmologist T-Storms over Grainger County may affect Knox and Union Counties moving W at 10mph. Small hail possible. t.co/JtTufo4B  2 days 5 hours ago
  • Hinkmologist NOT severe, but could be some ~3/4" hail with this storm in NW Knox Co. drifting WNW-5mph: t.co/8z9I8jLZ  2 days 7 hours ago
  • Hinkmologist Storm in the WARNING area could have ~1" hail approaching I-140 (moving: W-10mph). Watch for heavy rain too: t.co/PYgBVMVJ  2 days 7 hours ago

Latest News

  • THP amps up "Click It or Ticket" campaign statewide
  • Bee Gees' Robin Gibb dies after long cancer battle
  • No-bid contract for offices leads to higher bill
  • Bee Gees' Robin Gibb dies after long cancer battle
  • Knoxville man drowns at Cherokee Dam
  • As Scott County Hospital prepares to close, new options emerge
  • Body found in Turkey Creek field
  • Blount Memorial Hospital hosts cancer survivors lunch
  • Haslam transparency record mixed
  • Fatality in North Knoxville after driver strikes tree

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