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
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 All locations east of Knoxville have the chance of strong storms over the next hour. Here's StormTracker6. t.co/HPyPW1eT  3 hours 50 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Heavy rain with lightning and strong wind approaching Knoxville. TORNADO WARNING HAS EXPIRED. t.co/VrLtyL88  4 hours 54 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Heavy rain with some hail possible over North Knoxvile. Storms on plateau will follow 50-60mph. t.co/7eCDuKi6  6 hours 21 min ago
  • Hinkmologist NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Anderson-TN, Blount-TN, Campbell-TN, Claiborne-TN, Cocke-TN,... t.co/nmNND66C  6 hours 39 min ago
  • Hinkmologist Knoxville Almanac Today: HIGH: 54, LOW: 37, RAIN: .36" (Airport), (.11" WATE). As of 5:20pm  7 hours 23 min ago

Latest News

  • Schools work to balance gay, religious rights
  • 2,500 call special TennCare hotline Tuesday
  • Haslam expects passage of parking lot guns bill
  • Woman who trespassed at Kenny Chesney's home faces judge
  • TDOT to hold meeting about Kyles Ford bridge
  • Fulton High School librarian discusses bullying-prevention program
  • Property owner upset after utility cuts down oak trees
  • East Tennessee soldiers talk about their return to civilian life
  • Maryville mom says Don't Say Gay bill is un-necessary, sends wrong message
  • Amber Alert canceled; Van Buren County kids found safe

All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 Young Broadcasting of Knoxville, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.