![tom-macdonald-headshot Tom MacDonald operates a camera](https://whyy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07t/tom-macdonald-headshot.jpg)
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 City Council considers moving budget hearings to in-person
Last fall, council meetings moved back to in-person, but committee meetings have still been held online since the start of the pandemic.
2 years ago
Mayor Kenney’s final Philly budget gets mixed reaction from City Council
The spending plan includes millions for programs ranging from violence prevention to pre-K to libraries, but the City Council is ready to tinker.
2 years ago
Mayor Kenney’s final budget plan designed to make the city more equitable for all its residents
Mayor Kenney’s budget proposal doesn’t increase taxes and calls for a wage tax cut.
2 years ago
Listen 1:13A senior-specific PHA high-rise gives spectacular Philly views and a chance to age in place
Harrison Plaza Senior Towers includes special amenities for those living out their years in city-sponsored housing.
2 years ago
Philly bike share program to expand in historically-marginalized communities
The city wants to nearly double the number of bike share stations and will concentrate on underserved areas in historically-marginalized communities.
2 years ago
New SEPTA trolleys will soon replace an aging fleet
The new vehicles will replace 40-year-old trolleys which are at the end of their usable life.
2 years ago
Philly City Council President Clarke opts not to run for re-election
Clarke has been head of council for more than a decade. He plans to stay active until his replacement is inaugurated.
2 years ago
Parker gets her first endorsement in Philly mayoral race from Building Trades union
The union’s endorsement of Parker comes without support of the powerful electricians union, who abstained from the vote as they ponder who to support.
2 years ago
Temple officials are working on ways to keep both students and law enforcement safe as they mourn the death of Officer Christopher Fitzgerald.
2 years ago
Philly City Council President Darrell Clarke considers retiring, unclear on his future plans
Darrell Clarke has been City Council president for more than a decade, and while he’s considering retirement, some are urging him to stay for another term.
2 years ago
New council proposal would create Philly’s first Office of Chief Public Safety Director
Voters could decide on changing the city charter to create a new office to better coordinate the city’s efforts to reduce crime and violence.
2 years ago
Pa. Gov. Shapiro will not sign death warrants, calls for abolishment of death penalty
Gov. Josh Shapiro said Thursday he will not allow Pennsylvania to execute any inmates while he is in office and called for the state's lawmakers to repeal the death penalty.
2 years ago