Harris Faulkner is one of the most recognizable faces on cable news, anchoring The Faulkner Focus and co-hosting Outnumbered on the Fox News Channel. Her trajectory to network prominence didn't happen overnight; it spanned local newsrooms across multiple states, demanding local reporting, and decades of broadcast experience.
Understanding how Harris Faulkner built her career requires looking beyond standard television biographies. Her journey involves navigating local news markets in North Carolina, Kansas City, and Minneapolis-St. Paul before landing a national platform.
Early Life and Military Roots
Born on October 13, 1965, at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia, Harris Kimberley Faulkner grew up as an Army brat. Her father, Bobby R. Harris, was a United States Army aviator who served three tours in Vietnam.
Because of her father's service, Faulkner spent parts of her childhood moving between different military installations, including a stint living in West Germany. This upbringing instilled a strict sense of discipline, adaptability, and an appreciation for structure—qualities she later cited in her book, 9 Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat's Guide to Life and Success.
She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications. Right out of college, she dipped her toes into writing and media before committing fully to television journalism.
Local News Foundations
Before reaching national audiences, Faulkner spent years grinding in local television markets. Her early professional steps included working as a freelance business writer for LA Weekly and securing an internship at KCOP-TV in Los Angeles.
Her breakthrough into on-air reporting happened in North Carolina.
- WNCT-TV (Greenville, NC): Faulkner worked as a reporter and anchor, learning how to cut tape, write daily copy, and manage live broadcast pressure.
- WDAF-TV (Kansas City, MO): From 1992 to 2000, she served as an evening news anchor, solidifying her reputation in the Midwest as a trusted voice during breaking news events.
- KSTP-TV (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN): While anchoring in the Twin Cities, her work earned significant regional acclaim, including multiple regional Emmy Awards for best anchor and special reporting.
Working across different regions taught her how to connect with diverse viewing demographics. That local-market credibility made her an attractive prospect for national networks looking for anchors who could handle both hard news and unscripted panel discussions.
Transition to National Television and Fox News
Faulkner joined the Fox News Channel in 2005, initially serving as a correspondent for the syndicated magazine program A Current Affair. When that show wrapped its run, she transitioned into broader reporting and anchoring roles across the network.
For several years, she anchored Fox Report Weekend, delivering weekend headlines and building a loyal following among daytime viewers. She also stepped in as a substitute anchor for high-profile weekday programs, proving her versatility across different formats.
Key Milestones at Fox News
- Outnumbered (2014): Faulkner became an original co-host of the midday talk show Outnumbered, which features a panel of four women and one male guest (known as "One Lucky Guy") discussing cultural and political topics of the day.
- Outnumbered Overtime (2017): She launched this hard-news spinoff program, focusing heavily on Washington politics, legal updates, and investigative reporting during the afternoon slot.
- The Faulkner Focus (2021): She took over the 11 AM ET hour with her solo-anchored hard-news program, which regularly ranks among the top-rated cable news broadcasts in its timeslot.
Awards, Recognition, and Writing
Throughout her career, Faulkner has accumulated significant industry recognition. She is a multi-time Emmy Award winner, securing regional honors during her time in Minnesota as well as recognition for national anchoring.
Beyond her daily broadcast duties, she has authored several books, focusing on self-improvement, faith, and the values instilled by her military upbringing. Her work has also extended to hosting town hall specials, including Town Hall America with Harris Faulkner, which takes political discussions outside traditional studio settings to engage directly with voters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Harris Faulkner go to college?
She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications.
How long has Harris Faulkner been on Fox News?
She joined the network in 2005, marking over two decades of continuous tenure with the channel.
What shows does Harris Faulkner currently host?
She anchors The Faulkner Focus (weekdays at 11 AM ET) and serves as a co-host on Outnumbered (weekdays at 12 PM ET).
How many Emmy Awards has she won?
Faulkner has won multiple Emmy Awards, including regional honors during her tenure as an anchor in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
