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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
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 RT @joshuaault: A press conference on the Bean Station pharmacy robbery is about to start at 6 p.m. - We will carry it live on 6 News at 6.  4 hours 8 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Small hail possible in storms over Blount and Sevier Counties moving east at 25 t.co/keiOwLrOiN  6 hours 11 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Scattered showers and t-storms developing and moving east this afternoon. t.co/JnE9fsdsBQ  6 hours 53 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Looks like a scud cloud near Morristown, TN tonight. Photo: Grant Wilkinson t.co/uwo0PLsMWJ  1 day 42 min ago
  • Hinkmologist RT @krisfarley: First Knoxville Red Cross volunteer arrives. We drive into Oklahoma City to meet him--at 11 on WATE.  1 day 44 min ago

Latest News

  • Knoxville radio station switches frequency, format
  • Emails describe hostile work situation prior to Wright firing
  • Homeowner opposes UT plan to build new laboratory on historic properties
  • Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys
  • Harriman plans recreation area at riverfront Superfund site
  • Two popular Knoxville bars among the five low scores this week
  • Boaters reminded to stay safe on the lake ahead of Memorial Day weekend
  • Developer to sell off antiques from Alexander Inn ahead of renovations
  • Passion for piano spurred a Knoxville man to save one of the city's iconic theatres
  • Knox County deputies search for violent sex offender

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