Matt Flener

Matt Flener is an award-winning investigative journalist and anchor at KMBC 9 News where he’s been telling Kansas City’s stories since 2013. Known for his strong storytelling and community advocacy, Matt delivers news that provides insight, empathy and impact — helping viewers understand the people and moments shaping the region. 

Matt leads KMBC 9 Investigates, the station’s in-depth reporting team focused on getting answers and holding the powerful accountable. Matt’s data-driven reports and source-driven storytelling take him into Kansas City neighborhoods to uncover facts, analyze data, and demand answers — helping viewers understand complex issues that affect their daily lives.  

Matt pioneered KMBC’s Chronicle franchise, an hourlong documentary series taking viewers into historical events, civic milestones, social issues and personal journeys that shape the Kansas City community. 

Matt, Chronicle and KMBC 9 Investigates have been recognized with some of journalism’s highest honors — reflecting his original, in-depth reporting, including a 2023 Emmy Award for Journalistic Enterprise and a 2021 Emmy Award for Politics and Government Coverage for his investigation into issues at the Kansas Department of Labor. His work on the use of restraint chairs in jails spurred policy changes in more than 50 counties across Kansas and Missouri.  

Matt’s reporting and leadership have also been recognized by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and the Missouri Broadcasters Association. 

Before joining KMBC 9 News, Matt worked as an anchor and reporter for KUSA in Denver, where he covered breaking stories including the Aurora Movie Theater Shooting and numerous Colorado wildfires and KXAN in Austin, Texas, where he was first on the scene of the 2010 IRS plane crash and reported extensively on the 2009 Fort Hood shootings.  

Matt has covered several major hurricanes — including Katrina, Rita, Humberto and Ike — bringing national events to local audiences with clarity and compassion. He’s also been in front of the camera for some of Kansas City’s biggest moments in the spotlight, including multiple World Series runs for the Kansas City Royals, and multiple Super Bowl runs (and wins!) for the Kansas City Chiefs.  

A Missouri native, Matt began his career at KOMU in Columbia, Missouri, as a morning anchor and education reporter. He holds both a Master’s degree in Media Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism — one of the top journalism programs in the country. 

When he’s not reporting, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He’s passionate about connecting with local communities and highlighting stories that inspire positive change across the region. 

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