After nearly a decade on “The View,” Elisabeth Hasselbeck changes channels today, joining the “Fox & Friends” morning show.
“I am absolutely looking forward to it and excited to be joining this team,” she said in an interview arranged by the Fox News public relations folks last week. “I’ve been a longtime viewer and fan. ‘Fox & Friends’ has been starting our days for as long as I can remember. I’m thrilled to be on the other side of the screen and on their team.”
She’ll start out her new gig by heading south. Her first week will feature highlights of her visit with the cast of the A&E show “Duck Dynasty” down in Louisiana. Family members Willie, “Uncle Si” and Jep Robertson made a visit to “Fox & Friends” recently while they were in New York for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. (Willie’s daughter Sadie was in town promoting her new line of demure prom dresses.)
Since Hasselbeck wasn’t on board yet during that appearance, she’s looking forward to sharing her Louisiana adventures with viewers. She and her new colleagues toured the Duck Commander headquarters, got lessons in cooking and making duck calls and dined with the cast.
“It’s going to be a great week,” she said. “We are big fans of the Robertson family.”
Hasselbeck will join current co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on the morning show, airing weekdays at 6 a.m.; Gretchen Carlson moves to afternoons. Known for past stints on the CBS reality show “Survivor” and Style Network’s “The Look for Less,” Hasselbeck often brought a more conservative view to “The View,” and sometimes sparred with co-hosts. She had only kind things to say about her former colleagues and co-creator Barbara Walters, though.
“It’s safe to say when you’re working with the best in the business it’s pretty much like having one of the best athletes out there teach you how to run and throw,” he said. “I did have some great experiences on ‘Look for Less’ and ‘The View.’ I do have great friendships that exist from all experiences. Really my focus is just moving forward and having some good fun.”
She anticipates a friendly set on “Fox & Friends.”
“I certainly don’t expect to have heated debates,” she said. “I expect we’ll have really engaging conversations. My main concern isn’t putting forth my opinion but putting information out there, the news of the day. The past decade of communication and broadcasting as a medium has really prepared me in a great way for what’s ahead. Nothing prepares you for the job you’re going to have like the job you’re going to have.”
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