Matt Flener

Matt Flener joined the KXAN Austin News team as a reporter in May 2007. He comes from another Big 12 city: Columbia, Mo. Matt is passionate about finding, writing and telling stories that give you a unique perspective on the day's events.

What's your position?
Reporter and Fill-In Anchor

When did you start at KXAN?
May 2007

What was your most memorable story?
They say journalists shouldn't cry. Well, I broke that rule when I came back from covering stories during Hurricane Katrina. 

How did you get started in TV?
I enrolled in the Missouri School of Journalism and started my career at KOMU-TV, the NBC affiliate in Columbia, Mo. I eventually anchored the morning news at KOMU for four-and-a-half years, with stints as noon anchor, education reporter and investigative reporter. 

Where did you go to college?
The Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri.

What's your hometown?
St. John, Mo. (suburb of St. Louis)

What's your favorite thing about Austin?
I love the green space and natural beauty. I also love to run, and there's plenty of chances to do that in Central Texas.

What's your guilty pleasure?
A Butterfinger candy bar

What's your favorite band or musician?
Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band

What's your favorite movie?
"Saving Private Ryan"

What's your favorite TV show?
"24"

What's your favorite food?
Chips and salsa

Tell us about your family.
I have a wife and two daughters who make me smile and experience deeper love every day.  My parents and my sisters family live in Kansas City. My wife's family lives near Springfield, Ill., and her brother's family lives in Lubbock, Tex.

You can e-mail Matt at Matt.Flener@kxan.com.