The Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Who Left Fox News to Pursue Her Dreams

June 2024 · 6 minute read

Jillian Mele is a name that many people recognize from her time as a co-host of Fox & Friends, the popular morning show on Fox News. But what many people may not know is that Jillian Mele left Fox News in January 2022 to pursue her dreams of becoming a media mentor and entrepreneur. In this article, we will explore Jillian Mele’s journey from a grocery store clerk to a national news anchor, and how she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own business.

Wiki/Bio Facts

FactDescription
Full nameJillian Bridget Mele
Date of birthSeptember 17, 1982
Age41 years old
Place of birthPennsylvania, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityNative American
Zodiac signVirgo
GenderFemale
SexualityStraight
Relationship statusShe might be secretly dating someone, or she might be single and happy
EducationLa Salle University (B.A. in arts and communication) and MBA running
OccupationTelevision news anchor and reporter, media mentor
Net worth$1.5 million (estimated)
Years active2005-2024
Current employerCEO of Jillian Mele Communications (2023-present)
Previous employersFox News (2017-2022), WPVI-TV (2022-2023), NBC Sports Philadelphia (2015-2017), NBC 10 (2007-2015), WIVT-TV (2006-2007), WAGM-TV (sept. 2005-Jan. 2006)
AwardsTwo Emmy awards
ParentsRoseanne Zlemek Mele and Thomas Mele
SiblingsTwo brothers
Marital statusSingle
ChildrenNone
ResidencePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
HobbiesGolfing, skiing, dancing, cooking

How Jillian Mele Went from a Grocery Store Clerk to a National News Anchor

Jillian Mele’s journey from a grocery store clerk to a national news anchor is a story of passion, perseverance, and professionalism. Mele was born on September 17, 1982, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a close-knit family with her parents, Roseanne and Thomas, and her siblings. She had a humble beginning as a grocery store clerk in high school. She developed an interest in journalism and communication and pursued a degree in arts and communication from La Salle University in Philadelphia. She graduated in 2005 and started her career as a sports anchor for WAGM-TV from September 2005 to January 2006 in Presque Isle, Maine and then as a news anchor for WIVT-TV from January 2006 to October 2007 in Binghamton, New York. 

Jillian Mele moved back to Philadelphia in October 2007 and joined NBC 10, where she covered various news stories and events, including the Olympics. She won an Emmy award for her work on a show about the Olympics. In March 2015, she joined NBC Sports Philadelphia and co-hosted a morning sports talk show called Breakfast on Broad, where she won another Emmy award in 2016 as a sports anchor for Breakfast on Broad: Tailgate Special. She also hosted a Philadelphia Eagles post-game program called Endgame.

In April 2017, she made a big leap to the national level and joined Fox News as a co-anchor of Fox & Friends First and a headlines reporter for Fox & Friends. She reported on major news topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the elections, and the war in Ukraine. She also contributed to other Fox News programs, such as Fox File, Outnumbered, and Fox News Live. She left Fox News in January 2022 to return to La Salle University to pursue a Master’s Degree.

Jillian Mele Communications: How the Former Fox & Friends Host Launched Her Own Media Mentoring Business

In late 2021, Jillian Mele surprised many of her fans and colleagues when she announced that she was leaving Fox News to focus on her personal life. She explained that she wanted to use her experience and skills to help aspiring journalists, entrepreneurs, and professionals achieve their goals and improve their communication skills.

After she departed from Fox News, In January 2022, she accepted a position with WPVI-TV in Philadelphia. She left WPVI-TV in March 2023 and launched her own business, Jillian Mele Communications, a media mentoring company on April 13, 2023.

Jillian Mele Communications offers a range of services, such as media training, public speaking coaching, personal branding, social media strategy, and content creation. Jillian Mele works with clients from different backgrounds and industries, such as health, education, finance, and entertainment. She also hosts workshops, webinars, and podcasts, where she shares her insights and tips on how to succeed in the media world.

Jillian Mele’s Personal Life: Who Is Her Mysterious Boyfriend from Boston?

Jillian Mele is reportedly dating Rob Schmidt, her co-anchor on Fox & Friends First. However, neither Jillian nor Rob has confirmed or denied their relationship status publicly. They prefer to keep their personal lives private and focus on their professional careers. Jillian has also deleted a Facebook post that showed her with a mystery man at the Devil’s Bridge in March 2016, which added more fuel to the rumors.

So, who is the mysterious boyfriend that Jillian tweeted in May 2016? Is he the same person as Rob Schmidt, or someone else from Boston, as some reports claim? The answer is still unknown, as Jillian has not revealed any details about her love life. She might be secretly dating someone, or she might be single and happy. Until she decides to share her personal life with the world, we can only guess and admire her work as a news anchor.

Net Worth

Jillian Mele has an estimated net worth of USD 1.5 million as of 2024, which she earned from her journalism career. She also launched her own business, Jillian Mele Communications, a media mentoring company on April 13, 2023.

Physical Traits

TraitDescription
HeightAbout 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) 
WeightAbout 121 lbs (55 kg) 
FaceOval-shaped and a pointed chin 
HairBlonde
EyeBlue, almond-shaped
EarSmall, round, and pierced 
Skin toneFair with a healthy glow 
Body typeSlim, athletic, and curvy 
TattoosNone visible 
PiercingOnly on the ears 
AccessoriesUsually wears earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings 
PersonalityProfessional, confident, and outgoing

Fun Facts About Jillian Mele’s Birthday

Some fun facts about Jillian Mele’s birthday are:

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