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
Pfleger calls for more 'Ring' video camera doorbells in high-violence neighborhoods
Father Michael Pfleger is calling for more "Ring" doorbells in high-violence neighborhoods, after a Ring camera played a key role in tracking down a suspect in the murder of a 7-year-old girl.
Thief steals dozens of popular yard signs made by 12-year-old suburban girl
It was a rude wakeup call for a 12-year-old girl after video revealed a thief had stolen her popular neighborhood yard signs. But she is only using the incident to push her message onward.
Family of teen killed by hit-and-run driver outraged over bond granted by judge
Frustration is mounting over the hit-and-run death of a 13-year-old bicyclist.
Illinois officially begins Phase 4 of reopening plan
Illinois entered "Phase 4" of reopening on Friday, which means the return of indoor dining, access to gyms, movie theaters and zoos, and gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed.
Firework complaints sky-high in Chicago amid coronavirus pandemic
Across the city, suburbs and the country, complaints about illegal fireworks are skyrocketing.
What to know before Chicago's lakefront opens June 22
For the first time since late March, Chicagoans will soon be able to run, bike and walk on Chicago’s lakefront. But before you decide to use the Lakefront Trail, you better be ready to, "Keep it Moving."
BLM and Obama Presidential Center protesters march together through South Side
Black Lives Matter protesters teamed up with a group of Obama Presidential Center demonstrators for a peaceful march through the South Side on Thursday.
Chicago cop who died of carbon monoxide poisoning remembered as humble, hard-working
We are learning tragic new details about the officer who died in a carbon monoxide leak in Albany Park.
Off-duty Chicago cop dead, woman critically hurt after carbon monoxide leak in Albany Park home
A Chicago police officer is dead and a woman is in critical condition after they were exposed to carbon monoxide at a home Tuesday in Albany Park on the Northwest Side.
Peaceful George Floyd protesters march on South Side to CPD HQ
Hundreds of people marched through Bronzeville Wednesday night, ending with a standoff of sorts at the Chicago Police Headquarters located at 35th and Michigan.