Early-birds who watch Fox News Channel now have another hour of programming. The 21st Century Fox-owned cable-news outlet said it would kick start “Fox & Friends First” at 4 a.m. – an hour earlier than it currently launches – starting October 9.
The 4 a.m. hour will be hosted The 4 a.m hour will be hosted by Heather Childers, while Jillian Mele and Rob Schmitt will co-host 5 a.m. “Fox & Friends” will continue to run between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
The morning-show expansion marks the latest reworking of the Fox News programming schedule in recent weeks. Executives have already announced a reshuffling of the network’s primetime lineup; the addition of an original hour at 11 p.m; and new programs slated to launch in daytime.
“Fox & Friends” has gained notice in recent months for its access to President Donald Trump and members of his administration, who often visit the show first – in some cases, to the exception of many other media outlets – to deliver interviews and remarks.
Heather Childers joined Fox News in 2010 as a general assignment reporter based in New York. She helped launch “Fox & Friends First,” and has co-hosted it for nearly five years. Jillian Mele (pictured, above) joined Fox News from Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia in March 2017. Rob Schmitt was named a weekend news anchor and general assignment reporter at Fox News in June 2016 from WNBC, and has served as a substitute anchor for various programs.
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