Reggie Ponder — The Reel Critic.
A broadcast veteran and working film critic, Reggie has spent his career at the intersection of culture, cinema, and radio — bringing thoughtful, accessible movie talk to audiences in Chicago and beyond.
Reggie Ponder has been covering film for Chicago and beyond for over two decades — as a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic, AAFCA member, and broadcast professional whose segments have aired on WGCI, WVAZ, WSRB, and stations across the country. Before the Reel is the culmination of that work: a segment built for radio, trusted by audiences, and ready to grow.
Hear Reggie
Sample review from a major cultural event release.
Film Credentials
Memberships & Certification
- Critics Choice Association (CCA)
- African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
- Chicago Indie Critics
- Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic
Current Platforms
Print & Digital: NDIGO, Vocalo.org, Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ, RogerEbert.com
Past Platforms
Radio
Self-syndicated segments
WUBU (South Bend), WGCI (Chicago), WVAZ (Chicago), WSRB (Chicago), WHTY (Columbus, GA), WRDG (Atlanta)
- The 511 — one-minute movie review segment.
- Reggie's Movie Update — two-minute movie information vignette with reviews, interviews, and commentary.
Education
- Princeton University, A.B.
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA