The New York City skyline was extra patriotic on Thursday night when the Empire State Building was lit up with red, white and blue in celebration of Fox News Channel’s 30th anniversary.
“FOX & Friends” co-hosts Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade and Lawrence Jones gathered at the world-famous Empire State Building Observation Deck to help flip the switch and take a special tour of the landmark.
“Since its launch in 1996, Fox News has grown from a new cable news network into an established presence in American television news. Over the past three decades, the network has covered some of the most consequential stories and events of our time, with generations of journalists, anchors, correspondents, producers and teams who have contributed to its 24-hour news coverage,” Empire State Building GM Dan Rogoski said before inviting the “FOX & Friends” co-hosts to say a few words.
LAUREN GREEN: I WAS FOX NEWS CHANNEL’S FIRST ON-AIR HIRE. HERE’S HOW A DREAM BECAME A POWERHOUSE
Doocy, an original employee who was with the network when it launched on Oct. 7, 1996, thanked Fox Corporation Chairman Emeritus Rupert Murdoch, Fox Corp Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch, FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and FOX News Media President and Executive Editor Jay Wallace.
“You know, as one of the original people at the Fox News Channel based here in Midtown, we are delighted that the Empire State Building would honor us,” Doocy said.
Earhardt discussed how fortunate the hosts are to come from “humble beginnings” and wind up flipping the switch to light up such an iconic building.
“I love ‘Sleepless in Seattle,’ and I’ve never been up on the … I’m reminded of my 10-year-old self,” Earhardt said.
MIKE EMANUEL: I JOINED AN UNKNOWN STARTUP CALLED FOX NEWS; IT GAVE ME A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO HISTORY
Kilmeade, who was battling laryngitis, joked that the building reminded him of a different movie, “Elf.” He called Fox News a fantastic place that continues to evolve and allows on-air personalities to develop, be themselves and thrive.
“They hire you to be you. Anyone on the air that you like or dislike, you will feel the same way when you meet them, because they’re told to be that way and are allowed to be ourselves. It’s one of the most fortunate things that could ever happen to me personally,” Kilmeade said.
“It’s truly a thrill to be here. I know Fox would be successful without me, but I’m sure happy to be along for the ride,” he continued. “Thanks so much. Also, special thanks to Rupert Murdoch, who is relentless and opened up the wallet to do it. Lachlan Murdoch is cut out of the same mold in every way, and Suzanne Scott … she goes into the Hall of Fame for a reason. Unbelievable under pressure, great adjustments to this new marketplace, and Jay Wallace, one of the great success stories at Fox. Started at the very bottom and now is at the top.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
Indeed, Scott was inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame last week, joining innovators, visionaries and leaders who have shaped the media landscape. Jones, who regularly says that Scott has been instrumental in his career, said it was a “dream come true” to be at the ceremony.
“What Rupert Murdoch did 30 years ago is truly legendary. There was a void in the market. He understood that there was an audience that was untapped and felt like they were underserved. And his son, Lachlan Murdoch, is keeping that tradition going. Without Suzanne Scott, Jay Wallace giving me the opportunity of a lifetime 10 years ago, I would not be able to stand before y’all today and be in a building that I only used to see in movies,” Jones said.
The “FOX & Friends” co-hosts then flipped the switch, and the Empire State Building was lit up with Fox News’ signature colors.
