Anthony Ponce is a well-known American news anchor, journalist, and podcaster who has made a significant mark in the Chicago media landscape. Over his multi-decade career, he has built a strong reputation for his insightful reporting, engaging storytelling, and innovative digital content creation. His transition from traditional television news to independent podcasting and back to mainstream media highlights his adaptability in a modern news environment.
Early Life and Broadcast Career Beginnings
Anthony Ponce grew up in a family deeply rooted in broadcast journalism, which helped foster his interest in news from a young age. He earned his bachelor's degree in English from Indiana University Bloomington and later completed his master's degree in journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His academic foundation gave him the essential skills required for high-level investigative reporting and storytelling.
He began his professional broadcast journey in smaller regional news markets, gaining valuable experience as a reporter and anchor. Through hard work and dedication, he quickly demonstrated a natural ability to connect with viewers and cover breaking news stories effectively. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his eventual move to major television networks in Chicago.
Major Success at WMAQ-TV and WFLD-TV
Ponce joined NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) in 2007, where he served as a general assignment reporter and weekend news anchor for nearly a decade. During his tenure, he covered major national and local stories, establishing himself as a trusted voice in Midwestern journalism. His clear delivery and empathetic interviewing style earned him widespread recognition across the region.
After a brief venture into independent content creation, Ponce returned to television journalism by joining FOX 32 Chicago (WFLD-TV) in 2018. At FOX 32, he became the anchor of Good Day Chicago, where he continues to deliver morning news, feature stories, and interviews to millions of local viewers. His work on the morning show has further solidified his standing as a leading Chicago broadcaster.
The Launch of the Backseat Rider Podcast
In 2016, Anthony Ponce made national news when he left his position at NBC 5 to pursue an innovative podcasting project called Backseat Rider. To capture authentic stories from everyday people, he began driving for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, interviewing his passengers along the way. This creative approach allowed him to collect unfiltered personal stories from diverse individuals across the city.
The podcast gained widespread attention from media outlets and listeners who appreciated its human-centric narrative style. By stepping outside the structured confines of traditional newsrooms, Ponce proved that compelling journalism can happen anywhere. The success of Backseat Rider highlighted his forward-thinking approach to modern media and audio storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anthony Ponce? Anthony Ponce is a veteran news anchor and journalist based in Chicago, currently anchoring for FOX 32 News.
What podcast did Anthony Ponce create? He created and hosted Backseat Rider, a unique podcast featuring interviews with rideshare passengers in Chicago.
Where did Anthony Ponce attend college? He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington and earned a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.