Chip Waggoner Biography | FOX 4 Dallas, Age, Wife, Net Worth

Emmy-Winning Traffic Reporter Chip Waggoner
Emmy-Winning Traffic Reporter Chip Waggoner

Chip Waggoner Biography: Emmy-Winning Traffic Reporter & Anchor at KDFW Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth

Chip Waggoner is a traffic reporter and anchor at KDFW-TV FOX 4 in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, where he has been a prominent figure on the morning show “Good Day,” airing weekdays from 4 to 10 a.m., since 1996.

Born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Waggoner graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) with a Bachelor of Science in Radio/TV/Film and a minor in journalism.

Initially, he worked as an airborne chopper reporter covering breaking news for 12 years, starting in 1996, before transitioning to the studio as a traffic reporter in 2008.

His role involves informing viewers about traffic hotspots, accidents, construction zones, and other obstacles to aid their daily commutes.

Waggoner is an Emmy Award winner for his traffic reporting and has built a reputation for his dedication to serving the North Texas community.

He survived a notable helicopter crash in July 2007 near Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, Texas, alongside pilot Curtis Crump and radio reporter Julie DeHarty, due to an engine power shortage caused by compressor blade failure. The trio sustained minor injuries.

Waggoner has also authored a book titled “M.I.P.: Discovering the Wonder of God’s Perfect Plan for Our Lives,” which is a memoir about the challenges he and his wife faced when their unborn son was diagnosed with special and complex needs.

He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Wendy, and their chocolate lab, Piper. His hobbies include baseball, golf, softball, grilling, traveling, and playing his guitar.

Age:

Chip Waggoner was born on January 1, which makes his zodiac sign Capricorn. He is estimated to be in his 40s or 50s as of 2025, based on his 1991 TCU graduation and career timeline.

He is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Chip Waggoner was born and raised in the United States, specifically in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area.

Growing up in this vibrant region likely shaped his deep understanding of local traffic patterns, which he now applies in his reporting.

Details about his parents and siblings remain private, as he has not publicly shared much about his family background.

Wife:

Chip Waggoner is married to Wendy Waggoner, a 4th-generation Baylor Bear.

The couple has two children, including their son Benjamin Waggoner, who was born with a rare form of spina bifida.

Despite facing medical challenges, Benjamin has thrived, earning the prestigious Eagle Scout title and even interning with the Texas Rangers, a team he and his father share a deep bond over.

Wendy and Chip have been strong advocates for their son, supporting him through multiple surgeries and milestones.

Their journey has been one of resilience and faith, as Wendy once shared how they trusted in God’s plan when faced with difficult decisions regarding Benjamin’s health.

Height, Weight:

Chip Waggoner stands at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall, maintaining a well-proportioned physique.

His weight is approximately 70 kg (154 lbs), reflecting a balanced and healthy build.

Career and Background:

Chip Waggoner’s career in television broadcast journalism spans over twenty-five years. He graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) with a degree in Radio, Television, and Film, and also had two internships with an ABC affiliate during his time at TCU.

His first job after graduation was in the summer of 1999 at an NBC affiliate in Denison, Texas, where he worked as a sports reporter and weekend sports anchor.

He then joined KDFW Fox 4 in Dallas/Fort Worth, starting as an airborne reporter. For 12 years, he flew in a helicopter, covering breaking news.

In 2008, he transitioned to working in the studio as a traffic reporter for the “Good Day” morning show, which airs weekdays from 4 to 10 a.m. He continues to work at KDFW Fox 4.

Chip Waggoner has covered several significant traffic incidents and breaking news events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Some of his notable coverage includes:

  • Dallas County Jail Van Crash (March 2025) – Reported on a crash involving a jail transport van on Interstate 30 in Arlington, where several inmates were injured.
  • Tornado Damage in Irving (March 2025) – Provided updates on severe weather conditions, including a tornado that touched down in North Texas, causing widespread damage.
  • Black Ice Highway Closures (February 2025) – Covered the temporary shutdown of three major highways in Dallas due to hazardous black ice conditions.
  • Grand Prairie News Chopper Crash (July 2007) – Survived and reported on a helicopter crash while covering a breaking news story alongside Julie DeHarty of KRLD-AM.
  • Overturned Semi-Truck on LBJ Freeway (February 2025) – Delivered real-time traffic updates on a major accident that caused significant delays on the LBJ Freeway ramp to I-35E.

Chip Waggoner works alongside several talented journalists and anchors at KDFW-TV FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth. Some of his notable colleagues include:

  • Tim Ryan – Former longtime anchor of Good Day, known for his engaging presence.
  • Lauren Przybyl – Co-anchor of Good Day, delivering morning news with expertise.
  • Evan Andrews – FOX 4 meteorologist, providing weather updates alongside traffic reports.
  • Hanna Battah – Morning anchor, covering breaking news and local stories.
  • Dan Henry – Chief meteorologist, offering in-depth weather analysis.

These professionals contribute to the dynamic and informative broadcasts that make FOX 4 a trusted news source in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Chip Waggoner Helicopter Accident

Chip Waggoner was involved in a helicopter crash in July 2007 while reporting on a story for FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth.

He was aboard a news chopper alongside Julie DeHarty from KRLD-AM and pilot Curtis Crump when the aircraft suddenly lost power and crashed near Grand Prairie, Texas.

Despite the terrifying incident, all three survived without severe injuries. Waggoner later credited the pilot for safely bringing the helicopter down in a bushy area, where it rolled onto its side.

Net Worth and Salary:

Chip Waggoner has been a traffic reporter and anchor at KDFW-TV FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth since 1996. His estimated net worth ranges between $100,000 and $5 million.

He earns an annual salary of about $80,760, though estimates vary from $30,000 to $112,519.

His income reflects his role as a traffic anchor on Good Day and his 12 years as an airborne chopper reporter. There is no evidence of significant earnings from other ventures.

Is Chip Waggoner Married?

Yes, Chip Waggoner is married to Wendy Waggoner. The couple shares two children and resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

How Old Is Chip Waggoner?

Chip Waggoner was born on January 1, but his exact birth year is not publicly available. Based on estimates, he is likely in his 40s or 50s.

What is the new book of Chip Waggoner?

Chip Waggoner’s latest book is M.I.P.: Discovering the Wonder of God’s Perfect Plan for Our Lives.

Released on April 8, 2025, this memoir explores his personal journey of faith, resilience, and fatherhood.

It reflects on the challenges he and his wife faced when they learned their unborn son would be born with complex medical conditions.

Through doubt and fear, Waggoner discovered God’s grace, turning hardship into a miraculous blessing.

Where is Chip Waggoner Working?

Chip Waggoner is currently working as a traffic reporter at KDFW-TV FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth.

He provides real-time traffic updates on the morning show Good Day, helping commuters navigate road conditions efficiently.

His role involves tracking accidents, stalled vehicles, construction zones, and other disruptions affecting daily travel.

Chip Waggoner is active on multiple social media platforms, where he shares traffic updates, personal insights, and community news:

  • Facebook: Chip maintains an official fan page with over 28,000 followers, where he posts traffic updates, live videos, and community content.

  • Instagram: On Instagram, he shares personal moments, hobbies like golf and music, and occasionally promotes his book.

  • X (formerly Twitter): Chip provides real-time traffic alerts and news updates through his X account.

These platforms offer a comprehensive view of his professional updates and personal interests.

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