If you’ve ever scrolled through local TV while sipping coffee in a South Philly diner, you know the vibe is usually... stiff. Suits. Ties. That weird "anchor voice" that sounds like a robot trying to express concern. But then there’s WTXF. Honestly, the fox 29 philadelphia anchors are a different breed of local news. They're chaotic in the best way possible. They argue about cheesesteaks, they roast each other's outfits, and sometimes they just start dancing at 7 a.m.
People don't just watch Fox 29 for the headlines; they watch because it feels like hanging out with that one group of friends who probably shouldn't be left alone in a room together. But behind the jokes and the viral clips of Mike Jerrick losing it on live TV, there is a massive operation of veteran journalists holding the Delaware Valley together.
The Good Day Philadelphia Magic
It starts early. Like, 4 a.m. early. Thomas Drayton and Karen Hepp handle the "early-early" shift from 4 to 6 a.m. Thomas has this smooth, calming presence that helps you realize the world hasn't ended while you were sleeping. Karen is basically the human version of a double espresso. She’s energetic, sharp, and has that "hockey mom" relatability that resonates across the suburbs.
Then the shift changes at 6 a.m., and the energy level basically triples. Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley are the faces of the station. Mike is a local legend—ten Emmy awards, decades of experience, and a total inability to keep a straight face if something is funny. Alex Holley is his perfect foil. She’s stylish, quick-witted, and somehow manages to keep Mike from getting the station sued on a Tuesday morning.
They aren't just reading a teleprompter. They're reacting. When a viral video of a guy eating a whole rotisserie chicken at an abandoned pier goes live, they aren't just reporting it; they’re analyzing the crust. That’s why people stay tuned in.
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The Support Squad
- Sue Serio: The Weather Authority. She’s been with the station since the late 90s. If Sue says it’s going to snow, you go buy milk and bread. Period.
- Bob Kelly: Traffic. But not just traffic. He’s the "Kelly Drive" guy. His "Breakfast with Bob" segments are basically a love letter to every small-town bakery and diner in the 215.
- Jennaphr Frederick: She’s the one out in the field, usually in the middle of a parade or a crowded festival, making everyone she talks to feel like a celebrity.
The Heavy Hitters in the Evening
When the sun goes down, the tone shifts a bit. It gets more "Philadelphia." Shiba Russell and Jason Martinez lead the charge for the 5, 6, 10, and 11 p.m. broadcasts. Shiba joined the team in 2022 after a long run in Atlanta and New York, and she brought a certain level of gravitas to the desk. She’s covered 9/11 and Sandy Hook; she knows how to handle the heavy stuff without losing her humanity.
Jason Martinez joined around the same time and immediately fit in. He’s got that West Coast news background but has fully embraced the Philly grit. Together, they handle the late-night news, which in this city can be a lot.
Reporting from the Streets
You can't talk about the Fox 29 team without mentioning the reporters who are out there in the cold. Steve Keeley is essentially a local meme at this point. If there is a blizzard, Steve is standing on the side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike getting splashed by a plow. It’s a rite of passage for Philly residents to see how many layers Steve is wearing.
Then there's Shawnette Wilson and Chris O'Connell. Chris handles the Friday evening anchor desk but spends the rest of his time as a general assignment reporter. He’s a Temple grad and a Delco native, so he speaks the language. Shawnette is an Emmy winner who focuses on the stories that actually matter to the neighborhoods—not just the flashy crime stuff, but the community leaders trying to fix things.
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The 2026 Sports and Weather Update
Philadelphia is a sports town first and a news town second. Tom Sredenschek leads the sports department, but Breland Moore and Devan Kaney have become the primary faces of the coverage. Devan, who also works with 94WIP, is the sideline reporter for the Eagles. She brings that "fan-first" energy that you need if you're going to survive a post-game show at Lincoln Financial Field.
On the weather front, Kathy Orr is still a powerhouse. She was a staple over at CBS3 for years before making the jump to Fox, and her expertise in Jersey Shore meteorology is basically unmatched. Along with Scott Williams and Drew Anderson, the Weather Authority team has moved toward a much more data-heavy, interactive style of forecasting.
Why Fox 29 Still Dominates the Market
The secret sauce isn't the technology. It isn't the fancy new studio. It's the lack of a "filter." Most news stations try to be "objective" to the point of being boring. Fox 29 anchors are allowed to be people.
When a viewer watches Hank Flynn do a "Hank's Take" segment, they're seeing a guy who is genuinely curious—and sometimes genuinely annoyed—by the world around him. That authenticity is rare in an era of scripted media.
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People want to know the news, sure. But they also want to know that the people telling them the news are living in the same world they are. When the Eagles lose a heartbreaker, the Fox 29 team looks as miserable as everyone else in the city. When a new Wawa opens, they're just as excited.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're trying to keep up with the team or just want to see the latest "Good Day" antics, here is how to stay in the loop:
- Follow them on Socials: Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick are incredibly active on Instagram and TikTok. That's where the real "behind the scenes" chaos happens.
- The Fox 29 App: If you’re a cord-cutter, the app is actually decent. It streams the live broadcasts and lets you clip the weather if you're planning a trip to the Shore.
- Check the "Person" Pages: The station keeps a detailed bio list of their entire team, including newest additions like Morgan Parrish, who joined in late 2025. It’s a great way to see the background and credentials of the people you’re trusting for your information.
The landscape of local TV is changing, but the fox 29 philadelphia anchors seem to have found a way to survive by simply being themselves. In a city like Philly, that’s the only way to get respect.