New York City (WLTX) - Former WLTX anchor and Columbia native Ainsley Earhardt will be the new co-host of "Fox & Friends," Fox News Channel's flagship morning newscast.
Fox News Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes confirmed the news Tuesday. "Ainsley's relentless work ethic, congeniality and enthusiasm for connecting with our viewers and staff are extremely refreshing," Ailes said in a statement. "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 had been anchoring "Fox & Friends First," the network's lead-in program that airs before "Fox & Friends."
Earhardt grew up in the Midlands, and graduated from Spring Valley High School and the University of South Carolina. After college, she was hired at WLTX as a reporter, and eventually became the morning anchor. Her tenure at WLTX lasted from 2000 to 2004.
She then anchored and reported at KENS-TV in San Antonio for two years before being hired at Fox in 2007.
Earhardt takes over for Elizabeth Hasselbeck, who announced last year she was leaving "Fox & Friends" to spend more time with her family.
Earhardt's first day as the new host is February 29.
