Fox News Selects Melissa Francis to Serve as ‘Outnumbered’ Co-Host

Fox News Channel Monday (July 2) named Fox Business Network personality Melissa Francis as a co-host of its afternoon news analysis show Outnumbered.

Francis, who currently co-hosts Fox Business Network’s post-market show After the Bell, will join Outnumbered co-anchor Harris Faulkner on the daily series, which tackles top news headlines with a panel of four female journalists/contributors and one male guest, said the network.

Related: Fox News Expanding Morning Show ‘America’s Newsroom’

Outnumbered delivered 1.6 million total viewers during the first quarter, topping all shows in its 12 noon time slot.

Francis, who joined FBN in 2012, will continue to serve as co-host of After the Bell.

“Melissa has served as a frequent panelist throughout the years, and our audience has come to value her smart commentary and expert analysis,” said Jay Soroko, executive producer of Outnumbered, in a statement. “We are thrilled she’s joining Outnumbered as she will undoubtedly contribute to the program’s continued success.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.