Matt Howerton is a reporter at WFAA in Dallas, TX, specializing in general assignment reporting.
1) Who are you? I’m a proud Texan that’s thrilled to be working at WFAA. Before coming here, I worked in both Waco and Albuquerque, NM. I covered extensive reform within the Albuquerque Police Department, officers not properly using their mandatory body cameras, and an officer shortage that led to poor response times as well as an increase in crime. In 2015, I covered relief efforts in the Four Corners after the EPA accidentally spilled millions of gallons of mine waste into the Animas River. At my first job in Waco, I was first on the ground to cover the tragic fertilizer plant explosion in West that claimed the lives of 15. Before that, my reporting on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice earned an Emmy nomination after spotlighting female inmates who make thousands of Braille pages for blind Texas students every year. I was also among the first reporters to cover the second deadly shooting at Fort Hood in 2014 where four were killed. Our team coverage earned KWTX-TV two Emmys. Before I started reporting, I graduated from Baylor University. Before that? I was a humble resident of Ennis, TX where my family still lives. Go Lions!
2) What are your interests? Professionally, I love to tell stories that impact change. It’s impossible to achieve a perfect society, but working towards one and highlighting crucial issues are some of the best steps we can take. I also love sharing stories that make people smile! A few minutes of happiness in a newscast goes a long way. Personally, I’m a huge movie buff, love running, watching football, and talking about history.
3) What do you like about working at WFAA? Growing up, Channel 8 was on in my house every night. For years, I watched some legendary journalists inform and inspire while sitting in my living room with my family. I’ve seen so many huge moments in Texas history handled with class and passion by WFAA. The minute I walk into the station each day, devotion is the first thing I think of. From the floor crew to the news director, it’s there. I’m proud to be part of something like that.
4) What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I like to pick at the guitar a little bit, and still jam with my garage band from high school.
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