
Matt Stewart – Emmy-Winning Anchor & Author | FOX 4 Kansas City
Matt Stewart is an Emmy Award-winning television news anchor and reporter at FOX 4 WDAF-TV in Kansas City, Missouri. He has been a broadcast journalist for over two decades.
Before joining FOX 4, Stewart worked at KCTV Channel 5 for eight years.
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Stewart is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where he also played football, including on the Big Ten Champion teams in 1995 and 1996.
His experiences as a walk-on safety are detailed in his book, “The Walk On.”
During his time at Northwestern, he walked on to the football team in 1993, playing safety and special teams, earning a full-ride scholarship, and contributing to the Wildcats’ rise to two consecutive Big Ten championships in 1995 and 1996.
Stewart’s journalism career began in Omaha as a traffic reporter, editor, and photographer, followed by anchoring and reporting roles in Sioux City, Iowa; Kearney, Nebraska; Dayton, Ohio; and at KCTV5 in Kansas City from 2004 to 2012.
His work has earned multiple awards, including an Emmy for his coverage of daring rescues during the 2017 south Kansas City flooding.
Notable career highlights include reporting from Parris Island, South Carolina, during Marine boot camp, covering the Kansas Jayhawks’ 2008 national championship, and reporting on the Kansas City Royals’ 2015 World Series victory.
Books & Writing
Beyond his career in journalism, Matt Stewart is also a published author of several books, including:
- “The Walk On: Inside Northwestern’s Rise from Cellar Dweller to Big Ten Champ” (memoir)
- “Unique Eats and Eateries of Kansas City” (local guide)
- “The Man From KNEW News” (comedic murder mystery)
- “Tripp in Time” (time travel adventure)
- “The Kansas City Royals: An Illustrated Timeline” (sports history)
His website, www.MattStewartBooks.com, provides more details on his publications.
Community Involvement
- Stewart actively supports several charitable organizations, including:
- Kansas Children’s Service League
- MOKAN Suicide Awareness Survivor Support
- Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County
He is an active community member, emceeing events for organizations like the Kansas Children’s Service League, Suicide Awareness Survivor Support of Missouri-Kansas, and Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County.
Personal Life
In 2020, Stewart was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after a colonoscopy urged by his wife, which detected a polyp with cancer cells that was successfully treated.
In 2021, his wife, Chrissy, was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of angiosarcoma, a terminal cancer with a less than 5% chance of survival beyond 10 years.
The couple has been open about their health challenges, sharing their journey on social media to inspire and connect with the community.
Stewart has been recognized for his candidness, particularly during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Age:
Matt Stewart was born on February 8, but his exact birth year isn’t publicly available. However, we can estimate his age based on key milestones.
He graduated from Northwestern University in 1997, and assuming he was around 22 at the time (a typical age for college graduation), he would likely be in his late 40s to early 50s as of 2025.
A rough estimate places him around 49–51 years old in 2025, but this is not definitive without a confirmed birth date.
His zodiac sign is Aquarius, given his February 8 birthdate. He belongs to the White ethnicity and holds American nationality, having been born in Omaha, Nebraska.
Parents and Siblings:
Matt Stewart was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. At age seven, he created a neighborhood newspaper and sold it for 25 cents. He also took part in the Young Author’s Conference.
He has always been a fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. His Midwestern upbringing shaped his values and career path.
He later walked on to the football team at Northwestern University. His passion for storytelling led him to a career in journalism.
Stewart keeps details about his parents and siblings private. Still, his Omaha roots continue to inspire his commitment to community and storytelling.
Wife:
Matt Stewart is married to Chrissy Stewart, and together they have three children—Maddy (15), Jackson (20), and Alex (18). The family resides in Lenexa, Kansas.
Recently, Matt and Chrissy renewed their wedding vows in a heartfelt ceremony, arranged by Wish Upon a Wedding, just before their 23rd anniversary.
The event was deeply emotional, especially when their daughter Maddy surprised Matt by wearing Chrissy’s original wedding dress for a father-daughter dance. Matt described it as one of the most meaningful moments of his life.
Unfortunately, both Matt and Chrissy have been facing serious health challenges, as they were diagnosed with cancer. Despite these difficulties, they continue to cherish their time together as a family.
Height, Weight:
Matt Stewart stands at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters). His weight is believed to be between 160 and 175 pounds (73 to 79 kilograms), based on his average build.
Career and Background:
Matt Stewart began his journalism career after earning a degree in broadcast journalism.
Over the years, he has worked in various news markets before settling in at FOX 4 Kansas City (WDAF-TV), where he has served in multiple roles, including morning anchor and reporter.
He has covered everything from breaking news and severe weather to human interest stories and community events.
His excellence in reporting has earned him regional Emmy Awards and widespread respect in the industry.
Omaha, Nebraska – Early Journalism Experience
- Omaha was one of Stewart’s first reporting roles, where he gained foundational experience in broadcast journalism.
- He covered local news, community events, and breaking stories, refining his ability to report with clarity and accuracy.
- This early experience helped him develop strong storytelling skills, which later became a hallmark of his career.
Sioux City, Iowa – Expanding His Reporting Skills
- In Sioux City, Stewart continued his career as a reporter, covering a mix of local news, politics, and human-interest stories.
- He worked closely with community leaders and local organizations, ensuring that important regional issues were highlighted.
- His time in Sioux City strengthened his ability to connect with audiences and deliver impactful news coverage.
Kearney, Nebraska – Investigative Journalism Focus
- Stewart’s role in Kearney allowed him to refine his investigative reporting skills.
- He covered in-depth stories on government policies, crime investigations, and social issues affecting the community.
- His work in Kearney demonstrated his ability to dig deeper into complex topics and present them in an accessible way.
Dayton, Ohio – Broadening His Broadcast Journalism Experience
- Moving to Dayton marked a significant step in Stewart’s career, as he expanded his experience in larger-market journalism.
- He covered major regional stories, including political developments, economic shifts, and high-profile events.
- His reporting in Dayton prepared him for the transition to Kansas City, where he would take on a more prominent role.
KCTV5 (Kansas City, Missouri) – Morning Anchor & Reporter
- In 2004, Stewart joined KCTV5 in Kansas City as a morning anchor and reporter.
- He covered major stories in the region, including severe weather events, political shifts, and community initiatives.
- His ability to engage audiences and deliver compelling news coverage made him a well-recognized figure in Kansas City journalism.
FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV – Established Anchor & Reporter
- In September 2012, Stewart transitioned to FOX 4 Kansas City, where he became a key part of the FOX4 Morning Show.
- He continues to serve as an anchor and reporter, covering a wide range of topics, from breaking news to human-interest stories.
- His work at FOX 4 has earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy for his coverage of daring rescues during extensive flooding in South Kansas City in July 2017.
- He has also reported on major events, such as the Kansas Jayhawks’ national championship win in 2008 and the Kansas City Royals’ World Series victory in 2015.
Matt Stewart works alongside several talented journalists and anchors at FOX 4 Kansas City, WDAF-TV:
- Abby Eden – Morning anchor known for her engaging storytelling.
- John Holt – Evening anchor with extensive experience in investigative journalism.
- Kerri Stowell – Traffic reporter and journalist covering local developments.
- Pat McGonigle – Morning anchor with a strong background in news reporting.
- Karli Ritter – Meteorologist known for her accurate forecasts.
- Michelle Bogowith – Meteorologist covering severe weather updates.
- Harold Kuntz – Sports anchor covering Kansas City’s major teams.
These colleagues contribute to FOX 4’s reputation for delivering quality journalism and engaging news coverage.
Net Worth and Salary:
While Matt Stewart’s exact salary has not been disclosed, anchors and reporters in a major market like Kansas City typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually.
His estimated net worth is likely between $500,000 and $1 million, based on his years of experience and accolades in the journalism field.
Does Matt Stewart have cancer
Is Matt Stewart Reporter Married?
Yes, Matt Stewart is married to Chrissy Stewart. They have been together for over 23 years and share three children—Maddy, Jackson, and Alex.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including both being diagnosed with cancer, they remain deeply committed to each other.
In a touching moment, they renewed their wedding vows before their 23rd anniversary, with their daughter Maddy wearing Chrissy’s original wedding dress for a father-daughter dance.
How Old Is Matt Stewart Reporter?
Matt Stewart was born on February 8, but his exact birth year isn’t publicly available. Based on his career timeline and educational background, he is estimated to be in his late 40s or early 50s.
Where is Matt Stewart Reporter working?
Matt Stewart is currently working at FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV as an Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter.
He joined the station in September 2012 and has been a key part of the FOX4 Morning Show ever since.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Morning Anchor & Reporter – Stewart delivers breaking news, human-interest stories, and in-depth reports on regional and national events.
- Storytelling & Investigative Journalism – He covers major stories, including severe weather events, political shifts, and community initiatives.
- Community Engagement – Stewart actively supports charitable organizations such as the Kansas Children’s Service League, MOKAN Suicide Awareness Survivor Support, and Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County.
- Author & Public Speaker – He has written books like “The Walk-On” and “Unique Eats and Eateries of Kansas City”, sharing his experiences and insights.
Before joining FOX 4, Stewart worked at KCTV/KSMO-TV in Kansas City, Missouri, where he also served as a morning anchor and reporter.
His journalism career spans multiple stations, including Omaha, Sioux City, Kearney, and Dayton.
Matt Stewart is active on social media. He maintains a presence on several platforms where he shares updates about his work, personal interests, and community involvement.
Instagram: @stewart4602
Matt shares photos and videos related to his reporting, family life, and interests in sports and community events.X (formerly Twitter): @MattWDAF
He provides news updates, personal insights, and engages with followers on various topics.Facebook: He has a professional page, Matt Stewart – Fox 4, where he posts about his work at FOX 4 Kansas City and community involvement.
Through these platforms, Matt connects with his audience, sharing both professional content and personal experiences.
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