NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FOX News Channel (FNC) has named Ainsley Earhardt as the new co-host of cable news’ highest-rated morning program FOX & Friends (6-9AM/ET), announced Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO of FOX News. She will make her debut alongside Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on February 29, 2016. A rotating co-host will take Earhardt’s place on FOX & Friends FIRST until a replacement is named.
In making the announcement, FOX News Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes said, “Ainsley’s relentless work ethic, congeniality and enthusiasm for connecting with our viewers and staff are extremely refreshing. She’s a superb team player and an excellent on-air host – we look forward to her joining the show during such a pivotal news year.”
Earhardt added, “I am grateful for this opportunity and am thrilled to join Steve and Brian on the curvy couch to deliver Americans their morning news.”
Earhardt began her career at FNC in 2007 as a correspondent and most recently served as co-host of FOX & Friends FIRST (weekdays 5-6AM/ET). During her tenure, she has served as a substitute co-host for both FOX & Friends and FOX & Friends Weekend.
She also has covered both the 2008 and 2012 elections as well as numerous breaking news stories, including: Pope Francis’ visit to New York City; the killing rampage at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC; the mass shootings at two of Chattanooga, Tennessee’s military installations; the Veterans Affairs hospital investigation in Phoenix, AZ; the arrest of kidnapper Ariel Castro in Cleveland, OH and the Fort Hood military base massacre.
Additionally, Earhardt traveled to Panama City Beach, FL to cover the disorderly spring break crowds for annual primetime segments on Hannity, contributed to FNC's New Year's Eve special, "All-American New Year" live from Times Square and covered the Kentucky Derby. She has also done extensive reporting on Building Homes for Heroes initiatives which provides new homes to veterans and their families.
Prior to joining FNC, Earhardt served as an anchor for KENS-TV (CBS) in San Antonio, Texas and WLTX-TV (CBS) in Columbia, SC. In 2007, she received the “Young Alumni Award” from her alma mater, the University of South Carolina, and was named the School of Journalism and Mass Communication's “Outstanding Young Alumna.” She was also awarded the University’s “Carolinian Creed Award,” based on character, leadership and personality.
