Matt Fontes Joins ABC4: New Anchor & Behind-the-Scenes Look
What does it take to capture the morning news, the weather report, and the pulse of a community, all before the sun fully crests the horizon? For Matt Fontes, the recently appointed weekend anchor and weekday morning reporter at ABC4 in Salt Lake City, its a whirlwind of early mornings, dedication, and a genuine passion for connecting with his audience.
Fontes's journey to the Beehive State, where he joined the ABC4 team in April 2024, is a testament to his evolving career in broadcast journalism. Before Utah, he honed his skills over two years at a Nexstar affiliate in West Texas, where he served as a morning news anchor. There, he immersed himself in the intricacies of the oil and gas industry, crafting a weekly segment called "Powering the Permian." This experience not only broadened his knowledge base but also prepared him for the diverse range of stories he would encounter in his future role.
| Full Name: | Matt Fontes |
| Current Position: | Weekend Anchor and Morning Weekday Reporter at ABC4 (KTVX) Salt Lake City |
| Date Joined ABC4: | April 2024 |
| Previous Positions: | Morning News Anchor at KMID in Odessa, Texas; Contributor for "Bloom" (health and lifestyle show) at a Nexstar affiliate in Tampa, Florida; |
| Education: | Florida State University (Location not specified in provided content) |
| Social Media: | Instagram: @matt.fontes |
| Professional Focus: | Reporting news, weather, sports and bringing you daily local programming |
| Known For: | Balanced reporting, journalistic integrity, and honesty |
| LinkedIn Profile: | View Matt Fontes's LinkedIn Profile |
His arrival in Salt Lake City was met with a warm welcome from ABC4 and its viewers. The station's dedication to introducing its audience to their new anchor was evident in the invitation to the "GTU" set, a clear indication of their commitment to fostering a personal connection between Fontes and the community. Through this interaction, Fontes was able to familiarize viewers with his background, his approach to journalism, and his aspirations within the Utah market.
Fontes's career trajectory reflects a commitment to adaptability and a diverse skillset. From the oil fields of West Texas to the bustling city of Tampa, Florida, he has demonstrated his capacity to thrive in various reporting environments. His role as a contributor on a health and lifestyle show, "Bloom," in Tampa further showcases his versatility and his ability to engage with a wide range of topics.
Fontes's arrival has undoubtedly injected fresh energy into the ABC4 team. His experience covers a broad spectrum of news presentation, including weather forecasts, sports updates, and the everyday local programming. With his arrival in Salt Lake City, Fontes has embraced the opportunity to deepen his connection with the community and uphold the integrity of Utah's news landscape. His ability to connect with a diverse audience through multiple platforms. His focus on balanced reporting, journalistic integrity, and honesty aligns with ABC4's commitment to informing and engaging the public.
Fontes's presence extends beyond the traditional news broadcast. His active engagement with social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, allows him to connect with viewers and share insights into his daily life as a news anchor. These platforms give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his preparation routines and his dedication to his craft. This also helps personalize the news experience for his audience and cultivates a more intimate connection with the individuals and the community he serves. His Instagram handle, @matt.fontes, serves as a hub for his professional and personal pursuits.
Fontes's move to the Mountain West from the Lone Star State and the Sunshine State highlights a commitment to ongoing career growth and expansion. The move signifies his eagerness to embrace new challenges and immerse himself in the intricacies of a new market and culture. This willingness to evolve is what positions him as a significant contributor to the local news landscape, allowing him to broaden his professional network.
The transition to Salt Lake City from West Texas shows the varied reporting experiences he has. This shows his versatility, and he can easily switch from covering the economic impacts of oil and gas to the local events of Utah. This experience makes his reporting relevant and accessible to a broad viewership. His prior experiences in the news has taught him the value of delivering accurate and easy-to-understand information.
Fontes is also noted for his efforts to bring clarity to the news cycle. His ability to analyze complex information and present it in a relatable format is a valuable skill for any journalist. This skill ensures the audience is well informed, which is essential for a knowledgeable citizenry. His efforts in delivering this style of news reporting underscores his commitment to the highest journalistic standards.
The role of a news anchor and reporter is incredibly diverse, demanding not only strong reporting skills but also a capacity for presenting the information effectively. This involves staying informed on current events, as well as understanding the impact of the events. Matt Fontess skills in these areas have been shaped by his previous experiences, making him a relevant anchor for ABC4.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Fontes's engagement with his audience through various platforms highlights his understanding of the changing media landscape. His willingness to connect with viewers through social media allows a more accessible and dynamic news experience. This approach helps enhance the viewer's experience and builds trust and loyalty. This shows his capacity to use social media for news delivery.
Fontes joins a team committed to balanced reporting, journalistic integrity, and honesty in Utah's news. The involvement of his colleagues, including producers and anchors such as Courtney Johns, Brien McElhatten, and Sarah Murphy, in supporting initiatives to assist Utah residents with document disposal demonstrates ABC4's commitment to the community.
Fontes's arrival in Utah's news scene signifies a move towards dynamic and engaging news delivery. His blend of traditional journalistic expertise, combined with his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, makes him an asset to the station and a valued source for the community. With his strong work ethic and skills, his impact on the local news coverage will resonate for years to come. His career to date suggests he is poised to become a trusted voice in the media.
Fontes's career path, marked by his early mornings, the complexities of the Permian Basin, the challenges of the news cycle, and the impact of social media, paints a picture of a journalist who is always striving to provide news to his audience. His commitment to balanced reporting, journalistic integrity, and honest engagement is clear. His blend of skills, combined with the support of his ABC4 colleagues, makes him a valuable asset to the station and a trusted resource for Utahns.
