Jillian Mele announced on Friday she was leaving Fox & Friends First to pursue her MBA. Her departure left an open seat alongside Todd Piro, but the network announced today that Mele’s replacement will be Carley Shimkus.
Shimkus has served as a reporter for Fox News Headlines 24/7 and as a substitute anchor on Fox News and Fox Nation shows. She will slide into her new role on Monday November 1st.
Mele became emotional on the air announcing her exit from the network and show. She said “This has been the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life. In part because I love working here and I love the people here because you are friends. You are family. And I feel so blessed to have had this time here but, ultimately I had to do what was right for me and I thank you for welcoming me into your home every single morning.”
Shimkus shared her enthusiasm about landing the new opportunity. In a statement issued by the network she remarked “I look forward to bringing the news to America each morning alongside my colleague Todd Piro. The Fox & Friends franchise has been the leader in morning television for nearly 20 years and I feel fortunate to be a part of this incredible team.”
FOX & Friends First is currently the most-watched news program in its 4a-6a timeslot, more than doubling CNN’s Early Start.
