Matt Goodman: The Bold Journalist Who Shaped Dallas Media and Now Reinvents Local News
From D Magazine Leadership to Founding The Lab Report under CPAL
Introduction
Matt Goodman is a name that resonates strongly in Dallas journalism. As a writer, editor, and thought leader, he spent more than a decade at D Magazine, becoming one of the city’s most influential voices in media. His fearless reporting often exposed hidden truths, while his leadership shaped the direction of the publication’s digital future. But Goodman’s story is not just about success; it also reflects the challenges of modern journalism, the struggles of local news outlets, and the hope for a more community-driven reporting model. Today, as he transitions to a nonprofit newsroom called The Lab Report, founded under the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL), Goodman demonstrates both courage and creativity in reinventing his role in public service journalism.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Goodman |
| Profession | Journalist, Editor, Co-Founder |
| Known For | Online Editorial Director at D Magazine, Co-Founder of The Lab Report |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Journalism, University of North Texas |
| Career Start | Reporter at Killeen Daily Herald |
| Major Role | Online Editorial Director, D Magazine |
| Latest Venture | Co-Founder & Editor, The Lab Report (under CPAL) |
| Focus Areas | Healthcare, Politics, Infrastructure, Housing, Community Issues |
Early Life and Education
Matt Goodman was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where his interest in storytelling and communication first began to develop. Growing up in a city filled with diversity, business, and culture, Goodman learned how complex local issues could impact everyday people. This curiosity later shaped his career in journalism.
He went on to study journalism at the University of North Texas, a school known for its strong communication programs. During this time, he built his foundation in reporting, writing, and editing. His education gave him the tools not only to write stories but also to analyze how media can shape public opinion and influence policy.
The Start of a Journalism Career
Matt Goodman’s career began at the Killeen Daily Herald, where he worked as a business reporter. This role gave him early exposure to economic reporting and community-focused journalism. His work at the local level prepared him to understand the mechanics of city governance and the importance of responsible reporting.
After his time at the Herald, Goodman moved into digital media, first at CBSDFW.com as a digital media producer and then at WFAA.com as a digital journalist. At WFAA, he contributed to breaking news coverage and supported investigative teams, sharpening his skills in uncovering critical details that could influence the public conversation.
Rise at D Magazine
In 2014, Matt Goodman joined D Magazine as a healthcare reporter. His timing could not have been more significant, as healthcare was becoming one of the most debated subjects in Texas. Goodman covered complex issues such as hospital systems, Medicaid expansion, and public health challenges. His reporting highlighted the gaps in the system and shed light on the struggles of ordinary Texans.
Over the years, Goodman’s talent and leadership elevated him to the position of Online Editorial Director. In this role, he transformed D Magazine’s digital presence, overseeing the online editorial strategy and ensuring that the publication remained relevant in the fast-changing world of digital journalism. His stories often carried weight, addressing sensitive issues with honesty, courage, and clarity.
Notable Stories and Impact
Matt Goodman’s reporting left a lasting mark on Dallas media. One of his most recognized stories was breaking the news that Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) had quietly scrapped a proposed $1.7 billion subway through downtown. This scoop showed his ability to dig deep into complex policy and infrastructure topics while holding institutions accountable.
Beyond transportation, Goodman wrote about scandals in healthcare, political controversies, and the struggles of Dallas residents living under inequitable systems. His writing was never just about headlines—it was about giving voice to those who often go unheard. Whether exposing failures or highlighting achievements, Goodman’s work combined both the positive and negative realities of Dallas life.
Transition to The Lab Report and CPAL
In February 2025, Matt Goodman announced his departure from D Magazine after nearly 11 years. While leaving a leadership position in a prominent magazine could be seen as a loss, Goodman’s decision reflected a new vision for the future of journalism.
Together with Sharon Grigsby, he co-founded The Lab Report, an independent newsroom launched under the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL). Unlike traditional outlets, The Lab Report is built as a nonprofit, ensuring that public-interest reporting can remain free from corporate pressures. Its focus areas include housing, land use, public safety, education, and environmental issues—topics that directly affect communities and often lack adequate coverage.
Professional Philosophy and Legacy in Journalism
Matt Goodman’s career reflects a deep belief in journalism as a tool for accountability and change. He has balanced positive storytelling with difficult truths, ensuring that his work informs, inspires, and sometimes unsettles readers. His legacy at D Magazine is tied to his leadership in digital transformation, his strong investigative skills, and his dedication to reporting stories that mattered most to Dallas residents.
Now, through The Lab Report, Goodman is positioning himself as a leader in nonprofit journalism, where community-centered reporting takes priority over advertising revenue. This move could mark a new chapter in his legacy—one that may serve as a model for other journalists searching for sustainability and independence in their careers.
Conclusion
Matt Goodman’s journey from Houston to Dallas media leadership is a powerful example of how journalism evolves with time and technology. His career has carried both victories and challenges, but what stands out most is his commitment to truth, accountability, and innovation. By leaving D Magazine and launching The Lab Report under CPAL, Goodman is not stepping away from journalism—he is reimagining it for a new generation. His story is both inspiring and cautionary: proof that journalism can still thrive if it adapts, but also a reminder of how fragile local news ecosystems have become.
FAQs
Who is Matt Goodman?
Matt Goodman is an American journalist known for his role as Online Editorial Director at D Magazine and now as Co-Founder and Editor of The Lab Report under CPAL.
What is The Lab Report?
The Lab Report is a nonprofit newsroom launched under the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL). It focuses on housing, public safety, education, land use, and environmental issues.
What was Matt Goodman’s biggest story at D Magazine?
One of his most notable stories was exposing Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s cancellation of its $1.7 billion downtown subway project.
Where did Matt Goodman study?
He studied journalism at the University of North Texas.
Why did Matt Goodman leave D Magazine?
He left to co-found The Lab Report, aiming to build an editorially independent newsroom focused on public service journalism.
