Chris O'Connell
Chris O'Connell joined the FOX 29 News team in September 2010 as a general assignment reporter. He also co-anchors the Friday evening newscasts.
After spending 20 years reporting for TV news outlets around the country, Chris moved back home to Philadelphia from Minnesota, where he was an anchor and reporter for KSTP in St. Paul. Prior to that, he was a sports anchor and reporter for ten years at Bay News 9 in Tampa, Florida, where he also hosted a half-hour nightly sports talk show.
Chris honed his reporting skills with stints at WTVR in Richmond, VA, where he was bureau chief and reporter for two years; WGAL and WLYH in Lancaster, PA; and WAMU-FM radio in Washington, D.C.
In addition to an Emmy Award for Outstanding General Assignment Reporting, Chris has been honored by the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists for his reporting work throughout his career.
A graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, Chris worked at WRTI-FM while completing his bachelor's degree in radio-television-film. He spent a semester overseas in London, working at the ABC News bureau. He grew up on Wallingford, Delaware County, PA, and attended Strath Haven High School.
Chris is very involved with The Friends of Alexander Deihl Foundation, a charity helping families of terminally ill children. It was founded in honor of Chris' "Superman" nephew, who suffers from the rare disease, Menke's Syndrome. Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania.
In his spare time, Chris spends time with his wife, twin daughters and yellow lab Chester at his home in Delaware County, Pa. He enjoys cooking and is a big fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams. Chris' "career highlight" came in February 2018 when he traveled to Minneapolis to cover the Eagles victory in Super Bowl LVII.
The latest from Chris O'Connell
Philadelphia schools use locked pouches to curb phone distractions
Some Philadelphia schools are planning to use locked pouches or collection systems to keep students off their phones during class, reducing distractions
Villanova debuts Cabrini Campus in Radnor after $100 million renovation
Villanova’s new Cabrini Campus in Radnor now offers housing, classrooms, dining, shuttles and a new home for field hockey. Here’s what we know.
Police search for tow truck driver involved in fatal Philadelphia hit-and-run
Philadelphia police are searching for a black tow truck driver involved in a fatal Sunday night crash on Penrose Avenue. Authorities urge the driver to step forward.
Alleged knife-wielding man killed in Delaware County officer-involved shooting identified
Prosecutors on Friday shared new information about a deadly officer-involved shooting of a knife-wielding man.
Driver, passenger survive after car crashes, plunges into embankment along Chester Pike
A driver and passenger are lucky to be alive after the car they were inside of crashed and plunged into an embankment along Chester Pike in Ridley Park.
Dollar Tree indecent exposure suspects sought in Philadelphia region
Officials say three disturbing incidents were reported at different Dollar Tree stores on August 3, August 4 and August 5. Warrants are out for Anthony Oates and Jhet Larose, while police are seeking information on the man who assaulted the 12-year-old girl in Prospect Park.
Philadelphia bus riders face major SEPTA route changes August 23
SEPTA will launch Phase One of its new bus network on August 23, introducing new routes, extensions, and eliminations as part of its first major bus system overhaul.
Plans for $200M sports stadium in King of Prussia face grant setback
Upper Merion supervisors plan to build a $200 million sports stadium in King of Prussia, converting a vacant 17-acre office park into a multi-use sports and concert venue.
Philly's new school buses come equipped with AI safety features, tracking app, more
Thousands of Philadelphia students will head to school in a fleet of 200 new high-tech buses this school year.
Wilmington council weighs veto override on water shutoff ban for vulnerable residents
Wilmington City Council members and residents are pushing to override Mayor John Carney's veto of legislation that would prohibit water shutoffs for vulnerable residents.