
WHYY reporter Tom MacDonald is a lifelong Philadelphia-area resident who has worked in the region since the mid-1980s. Tom started in commercial radio covering the MOVE standoff with police for WFIL-AM. He was also City Hall Bureau Chief, covering government and politics for more than a decade, for WWDB-FM.
Tom has been heard on numerous stations in the region during the decade he worked for Metro Traffic, doing news, traffic, and weather.
Tom has also been heard nationally, filing reports for NPR, ABC News Radio, NBC Radio, and CBS Radio.
He has won the Associated Press award for his coverage of the protests of the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia and a Religious Communicators award for a post-9/11 documentary he did with the late Peter Jennings.
More from the Contributor
Philly airport launches new logo, slogan in preparation for huge influx of 2026 passengers
PHL expects some 30 million people to pass through its gates this year, with hopes for an even bigger 2026 for the U.S. semiquincentennial.
1 week ago
Listen 1:13Three town hall-style meetings called “Be the Light, Bring the Light” are planned to rally in opposition to federal intervention in Philadelphia.
1 week ago
The event included solemn ceremonies in remembrance of those who died in a series of terrorist attacks in 2001.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:11Philly gun dealers must post new signs warning against the ‘straw purchase’ of weapons
The regulation mandates signs be posted in all gun shops to warn shoppers that buying guns for those not allowed to have them is a crime.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:06New program offers overdose-reversing medication for free outside 61 Philadelphia firehouses
The program is part of a national effort to get the life-saving overdose reversal drug into the hands of people who truly need it.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:16‘It has to end’: Philly City Council, Mayor Parker call on state lawmakers to fund SEPTA
As SEPTA begins its first week with a reduced schedule, Philadelphia lawmakers are calling for new funding to reverse the cuts.
1 month ago
Listen 0:54Neighbors help neighbors to cut down on drug activity in West Philly
The effort has police teaming up with residents to give drug dealers a message that they aren’t wanted in their neighborhood.
1 month ago
Listen 1:09How the pandemic helped birth SEPTA’s budget woes
SEPTA officials slashed their way to $30 million in savings, but they still need more than $200 million to maintain service.
1 month ago
Demasking ICE: Immigration advocates rally with elected officials to support legislation
Planned Pennsylvania legislation would force law enforcement officers to take off face masks when performing their duties.
1 month ago
Listen 1:11The statue of the late mayor will be removed from storage, repaired, refurbished and relocated to an undisclosed location.
1 month ago
Listen 1:16Dugan earned enough write-in votes from Republicans to switch parties and set up a rematch with incumbent DA Larry Krasner in November.
2 months ago
Listen 1:13Pennsylvania House again approves SEPTA funding as transit agency inches closer to funding package
House members have approved SEPTA funding for a fifth time. Now the Senate holds the power to stave off major transit cuts.
2 months ago