WGN anchor Dan Ponce has laugh attack during 'alligator for beer' report

While trying to report the story of a Florida man who was cited for trying to trade a four-foot alligator for a 12-pack of beer, an anchor at WGN in Chicago completely lost it.

During the segment, Dan Ponce could barely get through the first bit of the story before bursting into giggles.

After things got off the rails, jokes about Ron Burgundy and sound clips of Homer Simpson ensued, only making it harder for Ponce to get his composure back.

Ponce had a sense of humor about the incident and shared it with his followers on social media.

The Chicago native began anchoring WGN Morning News back in September after working for three years as a general assignment reporter.

Based on what he said back when he was promoted, perhaps it should come as no surprise he suffered such a severe laugh attack.

“News, music and humor -- there’s only one newscast in the city where I can do all three,” Ponce said after signing his contact. “I’m thrilled to be joining Chicago’s most popular morning TV team. It’s going to be a big adjustment waking up that early, but anchoring with Erin McElroy every day will make it well worth it.”

News director Greg Caputo wrote a memo to staff following Ponce’s promotion.

“Since joining us three years ago, Dan has excelled in his ability to handle live television,” Caputo wrote. “His natural sense of ease in the midst of the chaos that often surrounds breaking news has been an asset to our newscasts.”

[Robert Feder]