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
Hidden Chicago music venue draws world-class musicians
Imagine a world-class concert venue so small and unassuming, even its own neighbors may not know it exists.
'Wait Until 8th': Campaign against early smartphone use gains momentum in Chicagoland
A grassroots "collective-action" solution to keep smartphones out of the hands of young children is quickly gaining steam.
Phil Ponce's 5 things every grandparent should tell their grandkids
This week, Anthony's dad, longtime Chicago journalist Phil Ponce, counts down the Five Things Every Grandparent Should Tell their Grandkids.
Food critic Keith Lee's Chicago tour boosts local restaurants with viral reviews
Food critic Keith Lee made waves in Chicago this week with a surprise visit to local restaurants, further cementing his reputation for elevating dining spots across the country.
Food critic's visit sparks massive boost for North Side restaurant
A visit by a popular food critic to a small business in Buena Park had a monumental impact following his positive review.
Top 5 outdoor Chicago delights hiding in plain sight
In this week's edition of My Dad Phil, Anthony's father shares Phil Ponce's top five outdoor fun spots that are "hiding in plain sight" in Chicago:
Tiffany Henyard gets silent treatment from trustees at Thornton Township meeting
Thornton Township trustees refused to pass any ordinances at their board meeting Tuesday night in retaliation for Supervisor Tiffany Henyard leaving their proposals off the agenda.
Cook County woman finds Apple AirTag on car after iPhone notification: 'My movements were being tracked'
A woman made a disturbing discovery in north suburban Glencoe after receiving an unusual warning on her iPhone.
Chicago watchmaker pursues passion one tick at a time
A boutique workshop on Chicago's North Side is carrying on the centuries-old art of watchmaking.
Construction on Kennedy Expressway resumes tonight
Construction on Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway is once again revving up.