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
Suspect sought for broad daylight assault of woman in Center City
A 60-year-old woman was assaulted in the middle of the afternoon in the heart of Chinatown, according to police. The attack happened around 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 3 at 10th and Race Streets, and officers are still searching for the suspect.
Foster mom charged in Malayshia Alford murder faced prior abuse claims
Philadelphia teacher Carprice Williams faces murder charges in the death of 10-year-old foster child Malayshia Alford, despite a 2021 abuse probe that closed her home.
Malayshia Alford: Philadelphia schools, students mourn after foster mother charged with 10-year-old's murder
10-year-old Malayshia Alford's death prompts support for students and teachers at Philadelphia schools as her foster mother, 26-year-old Carprice Williams who was also a Philadelphia school teacher, was charged with her murder.
Pennsylvania House and Senate control up for grabs in suburban races Tuesday
Control of the Pennsylvania House and Senate will be decided Tuesday, with key races in Bucks County and suburbs shaping Gov. Josh Shapiro’s agenda.
Halloween sweeps Philadelphia: Free City Hall candy, costume store rush, West Philly haunted homes
Halloween celebrations fill Philadelphia with candy giveaways at City Hall, busy costume shops in Center City, and haunted attractions in West Philadelphia.
Last-minute donor keeps Philadelphia City Hall Portal open for now
A last-minute donor keeps the digital portal at Philadelphia City Hall open, as Mayor Cherelle Parker announces ongoing plans for its long-term future.
Delaware County voters to decide $120M open space borrowing plan Nov. 3
Delaware County voters will decide on a $120 million borrowing plan to preserve open spaces, parks and waterways, with public disclosure and yearly audits.
Companion dog taken outside corner store; North Philadelphia family pleads for help
A North Philadelphia family is searching for Kodi, a Shih Tzu stolen Sunday outside a corner store. Surveillance video shows a woman taking the dog.
Pennsylvania home heating oil prices hit $6.01 a gallon, straining families
Pennsylvania homeowners face surging heating oil prices, with experts and advocates urging families to explore LIHEAP grants and price lock strategies.