50 Facts About Ainsley Earhardt

Early Life and Education

Ainsley Earhardt's journey to becoming a prominent television host began in the South. Her early life and education played a significant role in shaping her career.

1. Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Ainsley Earhardt moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and later to Columbia, South Carolina, during her childhood.
2. She graduated from Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina.
3. Earhardt initially attended Florida State University on a leadership and academic scholarship, majoring in biology.
4. She transferred to the University of South Carolina to pursue a degree in journalism.
5. At USC, she received an academic scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.
6. Earhardt was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and inducted into four honor societies.
7. She won the Caroliniana Creed Award for her character, leadership, and personality.
8. Earhardt was elected to the University's Homecoming Court.

Early Career

Before becoming a household name, Earhardt honed her skills in various roles across different states.

9. Earhardt was hired as a reporter for WLTX, the local CBS station in Columbia, South Carolina, before graduating from USC.
10. She worked as the morning and noon anchor at WLTX from 2000 to 2004.
11. After WLTX, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she anchored weekday morning and noon newscasts at KENS-TV.
12. During her time in Texas, she completed the Austin half-marathon.
13. Earhardt went skydiving with the U.S. Army's Golden Knights.
14. She flew in an F-16 with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

Fox News Career

Ainsley Earhardt's career took a significant turn when she joined Fox News in 2007. Her roles at the network have made her a well-known figure in American television.

15. In 2007, Earhardt moved to New York City to join the Fox News Channel.
16. She started with her own segment called "Ainsley Across America" on Hannity.
17. Earhardt co-hosted Fox and Friends Weekend, All-American New Year's Eve, and America's News Headquarters.
18. She appeared as a panelist on The Live Desk and Greg Gutfeld's Red Eye.
19. In 2016, Earhardt became a co-host of Fox & Friends, replacing Elisabeth Hasselback.
20. She works alongside Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, hosting the program from 6 to 9 AM ET each weekday morning.

High-Profile Stories Covered

Throughout her career, Earhardt has covered numerous high-profile news stories, showcasing her journalistic skills.

21. She covered the Pope's visit to New York City.
22. Earhardt reported on the shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC.
23. She covered the Fort Hood military base massacre.
24. Earhardt reported on mass shootings at military installations in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
25. She covered the Veterans Affairs hospital investigation in Phoenix, AZ.
26. Earhardt reported on the arrest of Ariel Castro in Cleveland, Ohio.
27. She covered the fatal EF5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.
28. Earhardt reported on the death of actor James Gandolfini.
29. She covered the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
30. Earhardt reported on the 8.0 magnitude earthquake in China.

Personal Life and Values

Despite her busy career, Ainsley Earhardt maintains a strong connection to her roots and personal values.

31. Earhardt is married and has a child.
32. She balances her professional life with family responsibilities.
33. Earhardt often references her Gamecock heritage.
34. She speaks about the importance of her upbringing in shaping her values and work ethic.
35. Earhardt credits her education at the University of South Carolina with preparing her for success.
36. She expresses gratitude towards her faculty and the journalism school at USC.

Achievements and Recognition

Ainsley Earhardt's career has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions, reflecting her impact on journalism.

37. During her time at WLTX, she was voted "Best Personality of the Year" by Columbia Metropolitan Magazine.
38. Earhardt received the University of South Carolina's Young Alumni Award.
39. She was named the School of Journalism and Mass Communication's 2007 Outstanding Alumna.
40. Earhardt's coverage of Spring Break in Panama City, Florida, led to changes in drinking laws and made the beaches safer.

Community Involvement and Public Service

Earhardt has been involved in various charitable activities and public service efforts throughout her career.

41. She covered South Carolina middle school students raising nearly half a million dollars for firefighters to buy a new fire truck after the September 11 attacks.
42. Earhardt has been a sought-after public speaker, discussing topics related to journalism, politics, and her personal experiences.
43. She has been involved in various community engagement activities, including charitable efforts by South Carolina middle school students.

Media Presence and Influence

Ainsley Earhardt's media presence extends beyond her work at Fox News, making her a significant figure in contemporary journalism.

44. She has appeared on multiple Fox News programs, including The Live Desk and Red Eye.
45. Earhardt's segment on Hannity called "Ainsley Across America" showcased her reporting skills.
46. She has conducted high-profile interviews with various celebrities and public figures.
47. Earhardt's coverage of Spring Break in Panama City, Florida, led to changes in drinking laws and made the beaches safer.
48. Her influence in the media industry extends beyond her role at Fox News.
49. Earhardt has inspired many young journalists and television personalities with her career path and achievements.
50. Despite her success in New York City, she remains connected to her community roots in South Carolina.

Ainsley Earhardt: A Multifaceted Journalist

Ainsley Earhardt's journey from South Carolina to becoming a co-host on Fox & Friends showcases her dedication, versatility, and hard work. Her career highlights include covering significant events like the Pope's visit to New York City, the Charleston church shooting, and the Fort Hood massacre. Earhardt's adventurous spirit is evident in her skydiving and flying experiences with the military. Beyond journalism, she's an author and public speaker, balancing her professional life with family commitments. Her impact on local policies, like the Spring Break coverage in Panama City, demonstrates her influence. Despite facing criticism, she remains a popular figure among Fox News viewers. Earhardt's story is a testament to her resilience and ability to connect with a wide audience, making her a significant figure in contemporary journalism.