Matt Rooks-Taylor is a reporter for the Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser. Matt, who graduated from the University of Winchester with a BJTC accredited journalism degree in 2022. Matt started his career with a brief stint in local radio and television before joining Newsquest and working as a digital reporter for six weekly titles including the Hampshire Chronicle, Salisbury Journal, Romsey Advertiser, Forest Journal, Andover Advertiser and Basingstoke Gazette. Now primarily based in Basingstoke, Matt can regularly be spotted in the community meeting locals and businesses to get the juicy stories, and likes to get down in the courts to expose the wrongdoings in society. Matt still plays a role in the digital team at weekends, helping to run social media including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts for these titles. Matt covers breaking news, court, crime and sport and also loves the human interest side of things. Outside of work, Matt is a huge Pompey fan and loves to get down to Fratton Park on match day