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
268 wheel thefts linked to 5 groups targeting Hondas, key Philly neighborhoods: police
Philadelphia police report that up to five groups are responsible for hundreds of wheel and tire thefts across the city, targeting specific car models and neighborhoods.
Suspect captured on video shattering windows of 16 parked cars in Philadelphia
Police in Philadelphia are searching for a man captured on surveillance video breaking the windows of over a dozen parked cars.
Cheltenham High School football coaches, players charged in locker room assaults
Four Cheltenham High School football coaches and six players have been charged in connection with two separate locker room assaults on a 15-year-old teammate in August and September 2025.
Camden County prepares for possible flash flooding as heavy rain threatens South Jersey
Camden County officials are monitoring for potential heavy rain and flash flooding, preparing emergency resources and urging residents to avoid driving through flood waters.
LeBron James signs with Sixers: Kobe Bryant's Lower Merion Coach Gregg Downer reacts
LeBron James, who played in Philadelphia as a teenager, has now signed with the Sixers, an event described as unprecedented in Philly sports history.
Philadelphia suspends trash pickup Friday, closes pools and spraygrounds due to air quality
Philadelphia officials have issued a Code Purple Air Quality Alert for particulate matter, warning that air is very unhealthy to breathe due to wildfire smoke from Canada.
Code Red issued in Philadelphia: Air Quality Index hits 211
Philadelphia issued a "Code Red" air quality alert Thursday due to Canadian wildfire smoke, with air quality reaching "Very Unhealthy" levels and further warnings in effect for Friday.
Air quality safe after large fire at scrapyard just outside of Philadelphia prompts tests
Officials monitored air quality for potential contaminants after a fire broke out Wednesday at a scrapyard near Philadelphia. Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and a shelter in place was lifted after the fire was brought under control.
MLB's Jennie Finch Classic brings top youth softball teams to University of Pennsylvania
The Jennie Finch Classic and the Commissioner’s Cup, Major League Baseball’s top youth softball and baseball tournaments, are being held July 10-13, 2026, in Philadelphia, featuring elite youth athletes from across the country.
Philadelphia hosts MLB All-Star weekend with merch, local chefs, art, and events
Major League Baseball’s All-Star weekend is launching at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia, featuring Philly-inspired festivities and commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.