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 DA, city commissioners team up for election-security task force
The biannual event will feature county detectives and assistant district attorneys fielding calls about Election Day issues.
2 days ago
New scholarship for critical Philadelphia worker families funded at Temple University
The $10,000 annual scholarship will help with children of Philadelphia police, firefighters and SEPTA police.
4 days ago
Listen 1:14
Philadelphia officials question city’s lack of power over driverless cars
City Council members warned that autonomous vehicles could threaten jobs, raise safety concerns and operate beyond Philadelphia’s regulatory control.
1 week ago
Listen 1:04
Northeast Philly drug investigation uncovers gun making operation, police say
Working on a tip, police say they raided two homes, finding cash, drugs and an alleged gun manufacturing operation with dozens of working and disassembled weapons.
2 weeks ago
SEPTA gives families and groups easier fare payment options by expanding multitap
The goal is to give families and groups the ability to swipe in up to five people per fare instrument at a time.
2 weeks ago
Listen 0:53
Destinations will be the same, for the most part, but the frequency of flights will lessen as the new carriers ramp up service.
2 weeks ago
Selection committee for DNC tours Philadelphia as potential 2028 site
The city, which hosted the 2016 Democratic National Convention, is one of five on a list to be reviewed by the party.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:09
Philadelphia Parking Authority unveils renovated Filbert Street bus station
The $5 million renovated facility boasts shiny floors, bathrooms and a seating area for 189 passengers.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:04
Philadelphia looks to employ thousands of youth this summer with city-led program
The #ItsASummerThing campaign looks to give youth jobs and keep the city safer by keeping them employed and out of trouble either with a job or recreational activity.
3 weeks ago
Listen 0:59
Bodies of 2 workers recovered at CHOP garage collapse site in Grays Ferry
The deceased, Matthew Kane and Mark Scott Jr., were found less than 12 hours after the demolition of the garage was completed and the site declared safe for workers to enter.
1 month ago
Listen 1:10
Philadelphia tourism groups look at this summer and the next half decade
Tourism officials say they are hoping to get people to Philly, show them a good time and have them keep coming back for more.
1 month ago
The ballot question, which could have allowed lawmakers to keep their seats while running for state or federal office, will no longer be part of May’s primary vote.
1 month ago
Listen 1:05