Matt Wastradowski
Features News Assistant
Contact: (360) 759-8053, matt.wastradowski@columbian.com

Newspapers are going through changes like never before, and I hope to take advantage of technologies to make stories more fun to read and follow.  Personally, I blog and take digital photos; I've also dabbled in Web design and digital video.  I would love to use these technologies and more — including podcasting — to tell stories in new and interesting ways.
 
I'm a Features News Assistant in the Features Department, which means that a lot of what you see in the Weekend and Beyond entertainment guide — movie summaries, entertainment listings and the occasional cover story or Dining Out restaurant spotlight — are the fruits of my labor.  I write feature stories every now and again, and I'm always excited for new and different stories to tell.
 
I'm a relative newcomer to journalism.  Born and raised in Vancouver, I got my start working at the Washington State University Vancouver campus newspaper as a junior in college. Between the changes we made to the newspaper, the stories we wrote, the people we met and the dialogue we generated, this became one of the best experiences of my life, so I figured I would pursue journalism once I finished school. 
 
I graduated in May 2005, and six months after toiling away writing ad copy for a regional retailer, I joined The Columbian in December 2005.
 
Matt

Most recent stories

05-17-08 -- Try This: Early splash of summer

05-10-08 -- Try this: Start your engines

05-09-08 -- Day 1: What to do when a job is not fulfilling personal or career goals

05-09-08 -- Advice helped land desired job

05-03-08 -- Try This: Art exhibit expects sweet reception

05-02-08 -- Pop-rock band from Vancouver to play at Rose Festival's Waterfront Village

04-26-08 -- Try This: Try hand at puppets

04-24-08 -- Musicians get chance to join Chesney at amphitheater

04-19-08 -- Try This: Celebrate Earth, justice

04-18-08 -- Finding wildflowers a walk in park