Matt O'Donnell
Matt has stepped into just about every community in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys in his many years of street reporting, plus tackled assignments that took him across the country and around the world: California, Brazil, Nevada, England. He also headed into the skies in a life-changing flight with the Blue Angels. He has covered three political conventions (St. Paul and two in Philadelphia), interviewed two presidents (President Obama and President Trump) and covered countless pivotal stories that have shaped our region over the last two decades.
Beginning his career in upstate New York just days after graduating from the University of Delaware, Matt served as a do-it-yourself news reporter at WICZ-TV in Binghamton covering local news and politics - including the 1994 New York governor's race where he interviewed George Pataki, the eventual winner, twice. His next move brought him to WSTM-TV in Syracuse, New York where he tracked down an accused murderer for an exclusive interview, visited a community that saw 300+ inches of snowfall in one season and provided daily coverage of a gruesome series of deaths that one day became the basis of the cable series "Village of the Damned."
Matt's big break was when he was called back to Philadelphia to join the Action News team, a place he has worked at proudly ever since.
He joined the Air Force National Guard on a trip to England shortly after 9/11. He flew supersonic with a member of the Blue Angels over Atlantic City. He lived in the Brazilian rain forest for four days with experts from the Philadelphia Zoo to help protect the golden lion tamarin. He interviewed Barack Obama, John McCain, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump when their presidential campaigns brought them to the region. He spent two days along the Jersey Shore awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Irene, which nearly became the first hurricane to hit New Jersey in more than 100 years. He has greeted Kevin Bacon, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Judd and James Brown during their visits to town. He has joined the Eagles on a playoff run, he was there for the Eagles and Phillies championship parades. He has visited nearly every town in the region, covering the triumphs, tragedies, highs and lows of Action News viewers throughout the years.
Matt joins the Action News Morning team every weekday, bright and early, to help the sleepyheads of the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys wake up, a news anchor position he has held since 2004. Matt and Tamala Edwards also alternate as host of Inside Story where they engage panelists to debate the important issues we face and challenge newsmakers who make the decisions.
The True Philadelphia Podcast is Matt's most recent project where he sits down with the people who help mold the ongoing conversation on what is great about the Philadelphia area: Jay Wright, Madeline Bell, Larry Krasner, the original Phillie Phanatic David Raymond, Elena Delle Donne, Preston Elliot, Sharon Pinkenson, Tom Wolf, Charlie Dent. The podcast can be streamed on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and YouTube.
Matt lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with his wife, two children and dog Bailey. He plays drums in a local rock band and competes in a number of local golf tournaments. Matt still hopes to be the first reporter to do a live shot from Mars.
Matt's Stories
Update on the 3rd Congressional District Race
Host Matt O'Donnell and the Panel took a deep dive into the 3rd Congressional District Race after the Philadelphia Citizen's Ultimate Job Interview with the top three candidates (determined by fundraising)
Children & AI: The risks and benefits
Host Matt O'Donnell interviewed Newsmaker Dr. Robert Grundmeier - a Pediatrician and Director of Informatics at CHOP about the risks and benefits of Children interfacing with AI. Then panel then discussed why Congress won't regulate AI.
What are prediction markets?
Host Matt O'Donnell and Panel discussed the growing popularity of 'Prediction Markets' and its effect on everything from political polling, gambling revenue, addictive behaviors and insider trading.
Dr. Tony Watlington discusses proposed changes to Philadelphia Schools
Host Matt O'Donnell sits down with Superintendent of the Philadelphia School District Dr. Tony Watlington and discusses what Parents across the city want to know - how will his proposed plans to change and update the school system affect their kids?
CHOP's Dr. Paul Offit on the new CDC vaccination guidelines
This Sunday, Host Matt O'Donnell interviews Dr. Paul Offit, world renowned Pediatrician and Director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. They discuss important information regarding the new CDC vaccination guidelines.
The biggest political headlines from 2025!
Host Matt O'Donnell and the Panel are dressed to the nines to discuss biggest political stories from 2025 ... while predicting the biggest headlines for 2026 in the New Year's edition!
Would Australia's ban on social media for teens happen in the U.S.?
Host Matt O'Donnell and the Panel took a deep dive into Australia's ban on social media for teens, and if the U.S, would consider the same? They also discussed Governor Shapiro's reaction to Vice President Kamala Harris' book '107 Days'.
Food insecurity is on the rise .. how can you help?
Host Matt O'Donnell is joined by Loree Jones Brown - CEO of Philabundance- the largest food bank in Southeastern Pennsylvania -plus two caring Corporate Partners - JT Young - a Franchisee from Dunkin' and Dr. Keith Leaphart - Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Office for Jefferson to discuss the myriad of ways to support your local community in need.
EXCLUSIVE: New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill (D)
EXCLUSIVE: Host Matt O'Donnell speaks with New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill (D) fresh off her win the Garden State - beating Challenger Jack Ciattarelli by 13 points in the election.
Action News' Matt O'Donnell takes trip to Good Morning America ahead of 50th anniversary
Good Morning America is counting down to its 50th anniversary on November 3. So, 6abc's Matt O'Donnell took a road trip to see things from their side.