MATT AUSTIN

Florida's Fourth Estate hosts Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden are opening up their inboxes and sharing the hatemail inside.

At least 12 people were injured in a stampede at Lake Eola as Fourth of July parkgoers ran from what they thought was a shooting.

Florida's Fourth Estate is taking a walk on the wild side.

This week, anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden invited Erich Schuttauf with the American Association for Nude Recreation to talk about what is quite a lucrative business in the Sunshine State.

The man who deemed the recent fight between Disney and Florida politicians “like a really ugly middle school ugly middle school break up” sat down to talk with Florida’s Fourth Estate hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin about the Reedy Creek Improvement District debacle.

Denika Robbins, with Orlando Rabbit Care and Adoptions, recently sat down to talk more about it on Florida’s Fourth Estate with hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin.

Theme park Expert Landon McReynolds is back from a galaxy far far away and is joining Florida's Fourth Estate hosts Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden to talk all about the new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.

Raquel Daniels from Eatonville is on one of Netflix's newest reality shows, 'Twentysomethings.' She discusses why she reveals she's from Eatonville in the first episode in our Florida's Fourth Estate podcast with Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden,

People often ask what news anchors talk about during commercial breaks. Here's a peek.

Why are people so mean?

On the latest episode of Florida's Fourth Estate, anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden talk to a local expert about how new laws signed following this week's special session will impact your everyday life.

Each year, Central Florida school districts host a Teach-In Day and News 6 staff play a big role.

NASA's Lucy mission could tell us a whole lot of how things started.

In the middle of hurricane season, most people dread learning about an incoming storm but UCF Associate Professor of water resource engineering Kelly Kibler says storms actually benefit our state in some ways.

Ginger and Matt speak to the creator of Universal's Velocicoaster.

As Central Florida children head back to school soon, the Insider team sat down with News 6 talent to see what their school experiences were like and we're sharing them with you first.

Matt and Ginger are digging in their inbox again and they are pulling out the hate mail.

A Gatorland expert joins Matt and Ginger to talk about alligator mating season and more.

A pediatrician weighs in and says she can’t wait to get her own son a shot at a normal life.

Anchors Matt Austin, Julie Broughton and Ginger Gadsden decided to read hate comments they have received on social media. Broughton said one viewer was not a fan of her outfits. A different viewer said Austin and Donald Duck wear the same suit. Austin said he noticed a trend when it comes to people who say mean things about him. “People don’t believe the power of their words when they say things like that,” Gadsden said.

Bernstein gets to work with sea turtles of all sizes, nursing them back to health and releasing them into the ocean. While the coronavirus has devastated so many things, it may have actually helped the sea turtle population in Florida by keeping tourists off the beaches and not trampling the sea turtle nests. In his defense, he said when he saw the little turtle wiggle, he knew he had to step in and do something. Unfortunately they do sometimes get a hold of sea turtles but one of the great things about sea turtles is they lay a clutch of eggs that average about 100 eggs per clutch. If you would like to make a donation to help Bernstein and the others protect this endangered species, go to www.marinesciencecenter.com to find out more information.

Volusia County first responders get COVID-19 vaccine through AdventHealthORLANDO, Fla. – As the world focuses on the events unfolding at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, other news is also happening in Central Florida. From the ongoing pandemic to the coronavirus vaccine and more, News 6 anchors Matt Austin and Lisa Bell provided a live update in the video player above. In addition, News 6 had the latest on a missing Sanford woman whose body was discovered Tuesday. And News 6 Chief Meteorologist Tom Sorrells offered his latest pinpoint forecast. Thanks for watching.

“You really have to pair battery storage, we call it energy storage, with solar,” Ferrone explained. Ferrone said there is a lot of technology involved with solar energy and it continues to change. If you would like to know more about how OUC plans to achieve Net Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050, use the links below download this week’s episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate. Each week they have a guest host who helps give an irreverent look at the issues impacting the Sunshine State. Listen to the full episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate on iTunes here or on Sticher here.

ORLANDO, Fla. – If you close your eyes and listen to Jim Wahlberg, his voice sounds very familiar. And yes, he is one of those Wahlbergs, a family most people know from Hollywood, most notably, his famous brother, Mark Wahlberg. Florida’s Fourth Estate looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union. Big influencers, like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem, can often be found as guests. Listen to the full episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate on iTunes here or on Sticher here.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Gatorland has been around for 71 years and current CEO Mark McHugh says they have never seen anything like what the coronavirus pandemic. It has weathered hurricanes, tornadoes, recessions and even a fire that burned down its main building some 14 years ago. While nothing could prepare them for the coronavirus, Gatorland was somehow prepared to take care of its 190 employees though it all. “Most of them were at home, sheltering in place, taking care of themselves and their families," McHugh said. Listen to the full episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate on iTunes here or on Sticher here.

By now, you’ve probably seen some of our “Driving Change” reports. Hosted by the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, the Service to America Awards recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters. That initiated a campaign WKMG calls Driving Change, a relentless multi-faceted, multi-year campaign led by Matt Austin and WKMG-TV/ClickOrlando.com to strengthen Florida’s texting and driving law. I am very proud that my station allowed us to do just that.”Here’s more on the community service effort, “Driving Change: Florida’s Texting and Driving Law,” which was the force behind the win. Last year, WKMG TV was honored with this award for their work to change Florida law to allow first responders suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to get the benefits they deserved.

ORLANDO, Fla. In a one-on-one interview Friday with News 6 anchor Matt Austin, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was questioned on his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, schools reopening and more. Austin spoke with DeSantis ahead of the governors roundtable discussion on transportation at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando.

Ron DeSantis said that school districts have a legal requirement to offer in-person instruction this fall despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The law requires you to offer certain amount of in-person instruction, DeSantis said about the decision in Hillsborough to balk at the state order. The governor said Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran will now go to Hillsborough County and examine the situation on a school-by-school basis. Is there a school in the county that wont be able to offer (in-person learning)? In Hillsborough County 2,857 children have tested positive for the virus.

ORLANDO, Fla. The firm that originally created Floridas unemployment website CONNECT, which has been called a clunker by the governor, won the state contract by default because it submitted the lowest bid, according to Gov. Deloitte Consulting recently obtained another state contract, causing outrage from lawmakers and Floridians who have had to interact with the unemployment system. Deloitte beat out four other firms for the $135 million contract. There is an ongoing inspector general investigation into the unemployment website contract process including why the contract was amended 14 times. DeSantis said legally he cannot interfere in the state contract selection process.

This week News 6 anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden open up the hatemail bag and unpack a few gems from some people who just dont like long hair. In this weeks edition of Floridas Fourth Estate, we share some of the messages viewers send in when they just dont like what they see. One person pointed out our long hair made us look like strippers. Another recent gem was to remind my co-anchor Lisa Bell and I that our long hair just isn't professional. "Please tell your female newscasters on the 6 pm news (Ginger and Lisa) that their long stringy hair is not attractive and is very distracting.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida law enforcement officers have issued nearly 4,000 citations since the state’s texting and driving law went into effect. Florida Highway Patrol shared data on the number of citations issued through June 22, revealing 3,842 drivers have been stopped for distracted driving. The agency’s data reveals that a majority of citations were issued by local police departments. He said, while they haven’t given out a lot of citations, they have pulled over a large number of drivers caught texting. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law May 2019, adding Florida to the majority of states who consider texting while driving a primary offense.

ORLANDO, Fla. It has been a long time coming but the United States is on the cusp of history once again as American astronauts prepare to launch from Floridas Space Coast. News 6 anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden talk with colleague and space expert, Erik von Ancken, about his years of covering the space program and having a front seat to this extraordinary moment. We also find out the one question astronauts do not seem to want to answer about lengthy space travel.

This week on “Florida’s Fourth Estate,” News 6 anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden talk to the WKMG-TV General Manager Jeff Hoffman about what it’s like running a news station during a pandemic with hurricane season looming. What's it like running a TV station during a pandemic? What's it like running a TV station during a pandemic? In This Week's Florida's Fourth Estate Ginger and Matt interview Jeff Hoffman about managing a local TV station during crisis. Big influencers like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem can often be found as guests.

Ever wonder the kinds of voicemails, messages and emails News 6 anchors receive? This week anchors Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin give us a delicious taste of the dreaded compliment sandwich. Florida’s Fourth Estate looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union. Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin use decades of experience as journalists to dissect the headlines that impact Florida. Big influencers like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem can often be found as guests.

It’s a special at-home edition of Florida’s Fourth Estate. And since they are broadcasting from their homes they each get a visit from special guests. Florida’s Fourth Estate looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union. Big influencers like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem can often be found as guests. Look for new episodes every week, and visit ClickOrlando.com for the latest WKMG News 6 coverage of Orlando and beyond.

ORLANDO, Fla. – This week on Florida’s Fourth Estate, News 6 Anchor Julie Broughton takes us inside her inbox. Broughton is shocked when she researches her troll and finds out what he does for a living. Matt Austin also shares a voicemail from a viewer who describes making fun of him with her friends. Also, a family vacationing in Florida had to be rescued through an elevator ceiling after getting trapped more than 10 stories high. All this and more on this week’s episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate.

Every Thursday, News 6 anchor Matt Austin features a Central Floridian who goes above and beyond to make Central Florida a better place.

ORLANDO, Fla. – This week on Florida’s Fourth Estate, News 6 anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden discuss why Ginger will be off the show for a little while. Before getting emotional, we introduce you to a "Floridiot" that had a flawed escape plan. We also say farewell to a popular grocery store and explore the new way astronauts will get to the launch pad. Learn a little and laugh a lot during this week’s episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate.

ORLANDO, Fla. – This week on “Florida’s Fourth Estate,” News 6 anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden explore Florida’s vigorous wildlife population with a little help from a local expert. Brandon Fisher, from Gatorland, stops by to talk to the anchors about gators and snakes. In Austin’s own words, here’s how this week’s episode goes down:“Two scaly critters arrive in the podcast studio. Learn a little and laugh a lot during this week’s episode of “Florida’s Fourth Estate.”Watch Florida’s Fourth Estate in the video player at the top of this story or download the episode on Apple Podcasts. Florida’s Fourth Estate podcast with Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union.

Central Florida schools hosted a Teach-In Day Thursday to bring members of the community into schools to help inspire a future generation of professionals. To help schools celebrate American Education Week, News 6 staff members played a huge role in the teach-in events. Some students even got to look inside a TV news truck. Even though it was just an hour out of their day, News 6 hopes each student walked away learning something new while having a little fun. Kirstin O’Connor, anchor, at Princeton Elementary with 2nd gradeMatt Austin, anchorEzzy Castro, reporter, Forsyth Woods ElementarySo much fun hanging out with our future journalists from Forsyth Woods Elementary!

ORLANDO, Fla. - State Attorney Aramis Ayala said Thursday that she will not seek the death penalty for accused murder Marketih Loyd or for any first-degree murder cases during her time in office. Rick Scott signed a bill requiring a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. "I have spoken with the State Attorney (Aramis Ayala) and I'm extremely upset that she will not be seeking the death penalty for triple murderer Markeith Loyd," Mina said in a letter posted on Twitter. "I have seen the video of Markeith Loyd executing Lt. Debra Clayton while she lay defenseless on the ground. [VOTE BELOW: Should state pursue death penalty against Loyd?]

ORLANDO, Fla. - Recently released numbers show that hundreds of drivers across the Sunshine State have been ticketed or warned since Florida's new texting and driving law went into effect. Florida Highway Patrol troopers began issuing warnings on July 1, when texting while driving officially became illegal in Florida. Representatives with Florida Highway Patrol delivered their report Wednesday to members of the Florida House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee. [READ: Florida texting and driving statistics]"I think it's low, principally because it's new," Florida Representative Geraldine Thompson said. News 6 was a major force behind helping to get the new law banning texting and driving enacted with an initiative called Driving Change.

Gadsden and fellow anchors Matt Austin, Lisa Bell and Julie Broughton all decided to take part. Finally, it was time to find out their results-- and some of the anchors were more surprised than others. "I feel like it has a part of my parents in there and I think that's what's special -- because they're not here anymore -- and I think that's part of them, too. LISA BELL'S RESULTSBefore Bell checked out her results, she revealed something not many people know about her: she was adopted. "You know, you don't know how exact it's going to be, is it going to say Basque?

ORLANDO, Fla. - This year marks the 42nd annual Fourth of July celebration at Lake Eola, known as Fireworks at the Foundation. Portions of the event, including the 9:15 p.m. fireworks show, will be broadcast on WKMG News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. [STORY: How the Lake Eola swans deal with Fireworks at the Fountain]Best places to parkAlthough biking and ride-sharing is encouraged, there is parking available in the downtown area. A map and list of Downtown Orlando parking options is available at orlando.gov/fireworks. There is a free LYMMO circulator to get to Lake Eola Park from parking locations around downtown.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s law enforcement officers can pull over drivers suspected of texting and driving starting Monday. Florida’s new distracted driving law makes texting behind the wheel a primary offense, which means if a law enforcement officer sees you on your phone while operating a vehicle they can pull you over. [RELATED: News 6 anchor Matt Austin testifies for distracted driving bill | 5 things to know about Florida's texting and driving bill | Timeline: News 6 Driving Change ]Gov. You will not be penalized for receiving a message while you’re driving or glancing at your phone when you receive one unless you’re in a hands-free zone. Law enforcement would rather you use Bluetooth, but you can still physically answer phone calls on your phone with no penalties unless you’re in a hands-free zone.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Floridas law enforcement officers can pull over drivers suspected of texting and driving starting Monday. Floridas new distracted driving law makes texting behind the wheel a primary offense, which means if a law enforcement officer sees you on your phone while operating a vehicle they can pull you over. [RELATED: News 6 anchor Matt Austin testifies for distracted driving bill | 5 things to know about Florida's texting and driving bill | Timeline: News 6 Driving Change ]Gov. You will not be penalized for receiving a message while youre driving or glancing at your phone when you receive one unless youre in a hands-free zone. Law enforcement would rather you use Bluetooth, but you can still physically answer phone calls on your phone with no penalties unless youre in a hands-free zone.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Floridas law enforcement officers can pull over drivers suspected of texting and driving starting Monday. [RELATED: News 6 anchor Matt Austin testifies for distracted driving bill | 5 things to know about Florida's texting and driving bill | Timeline: News 6 Driving Change ]Gov. Ron Desantis signed Floridas texting and driving bill into law May 17. News 6 wants to clarify what you can or cannot do with your phone while you are behind the wheel. USE SOCIAL MEDIANoScrolling through your Instagram or Facebook while behind the wheel is not allowed and will be considered texting.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police on Thursday posted a video reminding drivers that texting and driving in Florida will become a primary offense July 1. "We want to pass along some information you need to know while you're driving. News 6 led the Driving Change campaign after anchor Matt Austin was injured in a crash by a distracted driver. During Austin’s overnight stay in the hospital, the responding officer to the crash told him the driver had been texting. News 6 anchor Matt Austin details crash]It was then that Austin learned that in Florida, texting and driving was a secondary offense and officers could not issue tickets unless they witnessed the driver texting and driving and witnessed the driver also breaking another law.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Mount Dora police on Thursday posted a video reminding drivers that texting and driving in Florida will become a primary offense July 1. "We want to pass along some information you need to know while you're driving. News 6 led the Driving Change campaign after anchor Matt Austin was injured in a crash by a distracted driver. During Austins overnight stay in the hospital, the responding officer to the crash told him the driver was texting. News 6 anchor Matt Austin details crash]It was then that Austin learned that in Florida, texting and driving was a secondary offense and officers could not issue tickets unless they witnessed the driver texting and driving and witnessed the driver also breaking another law.

The new law will make texting and driving a primary offense, which allows law enforcement officers to stop motorists who are texting while driving and write them citations. Florida was one of only four states left in the country in which texting and driving was not a primary offense. “It was a long and hard fight,” News 6 anchor Matt Austin said. Austin’s journey to drive change began the very next day, a journey News 6 has called “Driving Change.” The initiative's goal was to make texting and driving a primary offense in the state of Florida. “We started by bringing awareness to the holes in the current texting and driving law,” WKMG’s News Director Allison McGinley said.

Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Friday morning that will allow law enforcement officers to pull over drivers who are texting and driving. Though the new law allows police officers to proactively make the roads safer, the fines for texting and driving stay the same. 5 things to know about Florida's texting and driving billBefore signing the bill, DeSantis cited some of the statistics about distracted driving crashes. Since 2013, lawmakers have sponsored 31 different pieces of legislation to strengthen Florida’s texting and driving law. Simpson compared the texting and driving bill to the seat belt bill during the 1980s.

News 6 anchor Matt Austin talks to Alan Harris, from Seminole County Emergency Management, about what resources are available to them when dealing with a storm.

Ron DeSantis signed a bill Friday morning making texting and driving a primary offense in the state of Florida. News 6 has been behind the Driving Change effort ever since anchor Matt Austin was injured in a crash. Since 2013, lawmakers have sponsored 31 different pieces of legislation to strengthen Florida’s texting and driving law. On Sept. 9, 2016, News 6 anchor Matt Austin was waiting for a traffic light to turn green when a vehicle slammed into his car. [VIDEO BELOW: Florida passes texting and driving bill]

News 6 anchors Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin talk measles in the most recent installment of Florida's Fourth Estate. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – News 6's efforts to drive change are coming to a major vote this week that would make the state's texting and driving law stricter. The state House of Representatives is expected to vote on House Bill 107, the texting and driving bill, on Monday. The organization spent the last several years pushing to make the state's texting and driving law stricter. [RELATED: News 6 Driving Change timeline | News 6 anchor Matt Austin testifies for distracted driving bill | Could 2019 be the year Florida passes tougher distracted driving laws?] HB 107 would make texting and driving an primary offense, which means an officer could pull you over if you're caught texting and driving.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee Tuesday heard two important bills aimed at ending distracted driving, with the House passing House Bill 107. While both bills would make texting and driving a primary offense, there are differences between House Bill 107 and Senate Bill 76. The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, goes even further when it comes to safety behind the wheel, mandating that drivers use only hands-free devices. Austin and News 6 have since been committed to continuing the station's Driving Change initiative and making the roads safer for everyone in the Sunshine State. During the first meeting, Simpson read the Senate bill in front of the full chamber and there were no amendments or objections.

ORLANDO, Fla. – This week on Florida's Fourth Estate -- what's green, explosive and flies through the night sky? What's 17 feet long and has Floridians terrified? Who’s the "Floridiot of the Week?" Plus News 6 anchors Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin discuss the worst career advice they have been given over the years.