Anthony Ponce
Anthony Ponce is a veteran Chicago journalist who grew up in the northern suburbs.
In July 2016, he gained national attention when he left his job in TV news to become a full-time Lyft driver, launching the podcast Backseat Rider. As a Lyft-driving storyteller, Anthony brings audiences the wide-ranging, hilarious, touching, sometimes bizarre, and always real conversations he has with his passengers.
“Listening is a lost art form,” he told CNN. “What I think is missing right now in our national dialogue is aggressive listening.”
Anthony joined FOX 32 in 2018 to co-anchor Good Day Chicago and launch Backseat Rider as a news segment.
In returning to television, Anthony’s goal is to remind Chicagoans that while specific issues can be divisive, we have a lot more in common than is often depicted on the news.
Before joining FOX 32, Anthony spent nearly a decade as a reporter/anchor at NBC Chicago, and spent years as a reporter in Indiana.
He has a Master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and did his undergrad at Indiana University.
Anthony — a Sox fan — lives on the North Side with his wife, Maggie, and son, Theo.
The latest from Anthony Ponce
Chicago Christmas tree officially lit for the season
The holiday season is now shining brightly in Chicago after the city held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday.
Local doctor says multiple companies will need to manufacture vaccines to end the pandemic
“I think the real issue is going to be manufacturing the vaccine,” said Dr. Richard Novak, UIC Health.
Parents, students face challenges with remote learning amid pandemic
“I'm using current events in the world today to teach my kids government and history, and it's going pretty good,” said Ericka Arocho.
Will winter sports happen? IHSA invites Pritzker to next meeting
Illinois high schoolers will have to hold off on playing winter sports, for now.
Rep. Underwood believes she has path to victory against Oberweis
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood says Jim Oberweis declared victory too early and that she is confident she has a path to victory.
Gov. Pritzker says high school basketball is back on hold, IHSA plans to start season in November
Gov. Pritzker says high school basketball is back on hold, one day after IHSA says it would start on schedule.
Dr. Fauci joined local group to discuss uptick in COVID-19 cases
Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke with a local group about the new wave of COVID-19 cases.
Suburban Cook County residents can now apply for $600 relief checks amid pandemic
As Congress continues its stalemate in passing another COVID relief package, Cook County has opened up applications for $600 relief checks.
Illinois family moving to Indiana for in-person learning and sports
A suburban family is moving to Indiana so that their kids can go to school in-person and play sports. "We'll protect ourselves, we'll stay out of harm's way, let the kids live their lives,” the father said.
Hamburger Mary's in Andersonville closing down, hopes to reopen in spring
A popular spot for burgers and drag shows since 2006, Hamburger Mary's is shutting its doors at the end of the month with hopes of reopening some time next spring.