New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

New Kent High School alum Fultz remains humbled and blessed, both in front and behind television camera

By Andre Jones | July 21, 2021 6:00 pm

New Kent High School alum Matthew Fultz followed his dream and now works as a television reporter for WTVR Channel 6 in Richmond.

Andre' Jones photo

As a standout track performer at New Kent High School, Matthew Fultz literally hurdled his way to success on the athletic field. After a self-reflection during his senior year in high school back in 2011 of his future, he locked into a goal that now has made him one of the most recognizable faces in Central Virginia.

Fultz works as a television broadcaster for WTVR Channel 6 in Richmond. The 28-year old’s journey and growth from student to scoop reporter is more than a success story. It’s one of beating the odds in a field with so few opportunities and openings.

A July 21 afternoon interview in his hometown area of Quinton allowed him to reflect on how he became intrigued with the media field.

“It was my Senior Year when I first discovered I wanted to be in front of the camera,” Fultz said. “I knew basketball wasn’t going to be the way for me in college, even though I wanted it to be.

“I remember watching shows like BET’s 106 and Park,” he continued. “I liked the way they were on camera and told myself that it was something that I wanted to do. I also realized how much I enjoyed watching Good Morning America and that was when I really thought I could do this.”

Putting two-and-two together as he referenced the path of his future, Fultz began his post-high school education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. From there, he transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University to study broadcasting and mass communications. While there, his classes provided him insight as he had to talk to himself on several occasions about the instance.

“I was in class, and we toured television stations and I felt semi-good about what I was doing,” Fultz admitted. “But I knew I had to stick to it and eventually it would lead me down the road to do the news.”

Fultz’s first opportunity to learn came as an intern at WTVR. The Quinton native said he was humbled and received his first glance of what truly makes a newsroom operate.

“It was an eye opener for me,” he recollected. “I was seeing the daily tasks that were being done. I saw operations, how an anchor and producer work together, how stories had to be finished before deadlines, and so much more.”

The internship was a blessing for Fultz. After graduating from college, he earned his first job at WHSV in Harrisonburg. His first story was an interview with member of Staunton’s city council and Fultz wasn’t afraid to admit he had the jitters.

“I was getting ready to do my first live shot and I did not want to mess up,” he said. “That went on for the first couple of months. I was shaking, but as time went on, I was trying to get better every day.”

The New Kent alum’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed as he spent three years in Harrisonburg. But one thing for certain was that Fultz didn’t forget about his hometown roots. In April 2017, Fultz invited the youth of New Elam Baptist Church to come tour the studio.

“I wanted them to see the field I was working in,” the reporter said as he smiled. “I wanted them to see the daily things I go through. But most importantly, you don’t know how impactful something can be on a person.

“To see how they responded and to see how I got into the field, that was a great opportunity that I received,” Fultz added.

Talks transitioned into the influence of his family on his guidance into his professional life. Fultz had nothing but praise for several individuals that saw a lot in him.

“I come from a faith-based family and my parents always taught me and my brother to be respectful, nice, and never forget where you came from,” he said.

“Even at Food Lion,” he said, pausing and pointing to the building he used to work in. “Even at Food Lion where I worked hard, they along with my church family taught lessons on how to keep going. I had a good support system from New Kent, my church, and my family. That means the world to me.”

In 2019, Fultz accepted a job to return back to the Richmond area at WTVR. He reflected that his mentor from his internship had looked out for him, but the plan was even bigger.

“God allowed it,” he said. “It was an opportunity to go home. I remember it came out of nowhere and I took it.”

Although many in the New Kent and Charles City area call him a local celebrity, the young man says he’s truly just a kid from New Kent who works hard behind the scenes. Even today, multitasking is a trait that has allowed him to flourish.

“Sometimes I have to do everything,” Fultz said. “I have to write the story, film the story, edito the story, along with doing the overlay voice. All while I’m taking phone calls, checking emails, and more. I work around the clock, and the job never sleeps, but I am blessed to be here.”

With advice of dreaming big, trying to make it, and remaining humble, Fultz is looking to pass those desires to the next generation.

“I’d say the main message the kids need to take away is to stay focused and take advantages of situations,” he commented. “I had the opportunity to see the University of Virginia play in the Final Four, attended the New Kent ‘Moment to Shine’ prom, and to surprise my pastor on television with a gift. Those are my favorite moments that I can’t forget.

“The young think they have unlimited time, but they need to realize that things can go away,” Fultz added. “If you can find your path early, that’s fine. Home in on that skill, network with others, and don’t get discouraged if others beat you to something. Keep at it, no matter what.”

Fultz has recently moved to the early morning show but concluded the interview with words of gratitude.

“I love New Kent and the opportunity to give back,” he said. “My family and faith nurtured me and it’s only right for me to do the same and give back when I can, whether it’s talking to students at the school or working with the video programs there.”

In 2017, Fultz (bottom right) hosted New Elam Baptist Church’s Youth Ministry while employed at WHSV in Harrisonburg.

File photo