Who is Alisyn Camerota? Alisyn Camerota is a seasoned American broadcast journalist and political commentator known for her impactful work in the media industry. Born on June 21, 1966, in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, she has built a remarkable career over three decades. Camerota's journey began in local news and later flourished at Fox News, where she spent 15 years before transitioning to CNN in 2014. Her career highlights include anchoring CNN's New Day and CNN Tonight, covering major events like the Paris terror attacks and the Parkland school shooting. Beyond journalism, she is an author, having penned the novel "Amanda Wakes Up" and her memoir "Combat Love." Camerota's story is one of resilience, dedication, and a passion for real journalism.
Key Takeaways:
- Alisyn Camerota, a resilient journalist, overcame personal struggles and advocated for important issues while thriving in her career at Fox News and CNN.
- Through her memoir and advocacy, Alisyn Camerota has shown the power of resilience, the influence of music, and the importance of speaking out about personal challenges.
Early Life and Education
Alisyn Camerota's journey began in New Jersey, where her roots and early experiences shaped her future.
- Alisyn Lane Camerota was born on June 21, 1966, in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.
- Camerota is of Italian American heritage, reflecting a rich cultural background.
- She graduated from the School of Communication at American University in Washington, D.C., with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Career Beginnings
Before becoming a household name, Camerota honed her skills in local news and early media roles.
- Camerota started her career in local news, working at various stations including WHDH in Boston and WTTG in Washington, D.C.
- She also worked on Ted Koppel's primetime documentaries at Koppel Communications, gaining valuable experience.
Fox News Career
Camerota's tenure at Fox News marked a significant phase in her career, where she took on various roles and responsibilities.
- In February 1998, Camerota joined Fox News Channel as a correspondent for its Boston bureau.
- She contributed to the network's affiliate service, Fox News Edge, showcasing her versatility.
- Camerota later became a co-host of the weekend edition of Fox & Friends.
- She co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend alongside Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs, with her final broadcast on September 28, 2013.
- Camerota co-hosted America's News Headquarters with Bill Hemmer from September 30, 2013, to March 14, 2014.
Transition to CNN
After 15 years at Fox News, Camerota made a bold move to CNN, where she continued to thrive.
- Camerota joined CNN in 2014, quickly establishing herself as a key figure within the network.
- She anchored CNN's morning show New Day and co-hosted the afternoon edition of CNN Newsroom.
- Camerota also served as the host of CNN Tonight from 2022 to 2023.
Awards and Notable Coverage
Camerota's work has earned her recognition and accolades, highlighting her impact in journalism.
- Camerota has been twice nominated for an Emmy Award for news reporting.
- She won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for her journalistic work.
- Camerota covered significant events, including the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, and the Parkland school shooting.
- She interviewed Parkland student survivors and representatives of the National Rifle Association in the hours following the shooting.
Personal Struggles and Advocacy
Camerota has been open about her personal challenges, using her platform to advocate for important issues.
- Camerota publicly spoke about being sexually harassed by Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, an experience documented in the movie Bombshell.
- She published her debut novel, Amanda Wakes Up, in 2017, which was selected by National Public Radio as one of the best books of the year.
- Her latest memoir, Combat Love: A Story of Leaving, Longing, and Searching for Home, was released in March 2024.
- The title Combat Love is inspired by a local punk rock band from New Jersey called Shrapnel.
- Camerota's memoir delves into her personal struggles, including mental health challenges, a sexual assault, and an unsupervised environment with drugs and alcohol.
Family Life
Camerota's family life has been marked by both joy and sorrow, shaping her personal narrative.
- Camerota and her husband, Tim Lewis, had fraternal twin daughters conceived via in-vitro fertilization in 2005 and a son conceived naturally in 2007.
- The couple lived in Westport, Connecticut, embracing a middle-class sensibility and a thriving arts community.
- In 2010, Camerota appeared on The Today Show to discuss her infertility issues.
- She served as the host of the National Infertility Association's "Night of Hope Celebration."
- Camerota revealed that her husband, Tim Lewis, passed away after a two-year battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on July 27, 2024.
Influence of Music and Personal Growth
Music has played a significant role in Camerota's life, influencing her personal and professional journey.
- Camerota often injects levity into her news delivery, reflecting her love for music.
- Her memoir highlights the power of music in her journey, with chapter names inspired by song titles.
- Combat Love is described as a candid chronicle of hard-won survival, offering inspiration for anyone searching for that elusive place called home.
Alisyn Camerota's Impact and Legacy
Alisyn Camerota's journey through journalism is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days in local news to her significant roles at Fox News and CNN, she's shown resilience and dedication. Her memoir, Combat Love, offers a raw look at her personal struggles and triumphs, making her story relatable to many. Camerota's candid discussions about infertility and sexual harassment have sparked important conversations, showcasing her commitment to real journalism. Her influence extends beyond the newsroom, touching on social issues and empowering others through her experiences. Camerota's legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding one's voice. Her story continues to inspire, reminding us all of the impact one person can make in the world of journalism and beyond.
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