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
Manayunk sinkhole grows on Conarroe Street as residents await city action
Residents on Conarroe Street in Manayunk are facing a growing sinkhole outside their homes, with uncertainty over repairs and responsibility.
9 firefighters hurt in floor collapse during 2-alarm Philadelphia rowhome fire
Nine firefighters were injured and several families displaced after a fast-moving fire in Wynnefield, with four firefighters still hospitalized, but expected to recover.
'We are family': Robeson High community pushes back on Philadelphia school closure plan
Philadelphia's revised $2.8 billion school modernization plan faces community pushback as it proposes closing several schools, including Paul Robeson High School.
Philadelphia school district updates $2.8B plan: fewer closures, more modernizations
The School District of Philadelphia has released an updated version of its $2.8 billion Facilities Master Plan, scaling back the number of school closures and outlining a path to modernize buildings.
Philadelphia to spend $120M on 2026 America’s 250th birthday events
It is expected to cost over $250 million to celebrate America's 250th birthday in Philadelphia. Here's what it all means.
Over 15,000 NJ customers still without power Tuesday after snowstorm
Thousands of people across New Jersey have been impacted by power outages after this past weekend's snowstorm left downed trees and power lines.
Downtown Easton hotel fire displaces over a dozen residents, more than 3,500 lose power
A massive fire at Hotel Hampton in downtown Easton sent at least one person to the hospital, displaced over a dozen residents and left more than 3,500 people without power.
Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philly debuts new seeded roll, cheese layering change
Pat’s King of Steaks, the South Philadelphia landmark known for inventing the cheesesteak, is shaking up its menu after 96 years.
Philadelphia’s $2.8 billion school modernization plan faces criticism from parents, City Council members
Philadelphia's $2.8 billion plan to modernize its schools is facing criticism amongst parents and members of the Philadelphia City Council as the district considers closing over a dozen schools.