Matt Ristaino joined the Spectrum News 1 team in October of 2019. A graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in journalism, Matt was a reporter for his college's student-run TV and radio stations. More so, Matt spent time interning with MSNBC and WCVB, the Boston ABC affiliate, prior to starting his current role as the Pittsfield bureau reporter. A native of Massachusetts, Matt is proud to report for the state he grew up in.

Throughout Matt's time reporting, one meaningful story that sticks out to him is a short documentary he helped to produce about volunteer firefighters called "The Slow Burn," which won an honorable mention at the 2019 Videographer Awards. In addition to this, Matt recalls his coverage of Dolphin Studio, an art studio in the Berkshires that hand-prints screen-printed calendars every year that have become a staple in the area. A small, family-run business, Matt was welcomed in to meet the family members who have been running the business for 50 years and learn about the traditions and operations that make this small business so prevalent. For Matt, the opportunity to be able to shine light on the hard work the studio does and how important small businesses are for communities is part of the reason he is so passionate about his role as a reporter.

Outside of the newsroom, you can find Matt taking in all that the Berkshires have to offer. Whether he's trying out the area's best restaurants, playing a game of frisbee, or exploring Mt. Greylock and the Appalachian Trail, it's a safe bet that you can find him out and about in the community he calls home.