PennWest Clarion alumnus Matt Stone, a veteran journalist and co-anchor of 21 News Midday, has added a new honor to his storied career — an Emmy Award. Stone, who also serves as 21 WFMJ’s special projects director, was recognized at the 56th Annual Central Great Lakes Emmy Awards held in Indianapolis in June.

The Emmy win came in the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion & Societal Concerns category for the powerful news magazine program 101 West – Invisible Chains, which shed light on human trafficking in the Mahoning Valley. The 30-minute special aimed to expose the often-hidden realities of this crime.

Stone served as the host of the program, working alongside an award-winning team that included reporter Sydney Canty, videographer Ron Martin, graphic artist Alan Brooks, assistant news director Justin Mitchell and news director Sheila Miller.

This Emmy marks a milestone in a career that began at 21 WFMJ on Christmas Day, 1996, when Stone filed his very first report. Since then, he has built a reputation as one of Ohio’s top journalists. The Ohio Associated Press has twice named him Ohio’s Best Reporter, in addition to recognizing him with numerous awards for writing, feature reporting, and spot news. Stone had previously been nominated for two Emmy Awards for his writing and anchoring.

When he’s not on air, Stone enjoys traveling with his family — often to Lake Erie or one of the nearly 40 amusement parks he’s visited across North America.