Courtney Friel is an American television journalist, news anchor, author, and podcast host best known for her work at KTLA 5 in Los Angeles. With more than two decades in broadcast journalism, she has built a successful career covering breaking news, entertainment, and major national stories. Before joining KTLA, Friel spent six years at Fox News Channel, where she worked as a correspondent, headline anchor, and fill-in host for Fox & Friends. Today, she is recognized as one of Southern California’s most familiar television personalities.
In addition to journalism, Friel has become an advocate for addiction recovery and mental wellness. Her 2020 memoir, Tonight at 10: Kicking Booze and Breaking News, details her struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse, her journey to sobriety, and the pressures of working in television news. The book received widespread attention for its honesty and has inspired many readers facing similar challenges.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Courtney Dawn Friel |
| Profession | Television News Anchor, Reporter, Author |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | April 22, 1980 |
| Age | 46 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Jim Hecht |
| Former Husband | Carter Evans |
| Children | Two |
| Known For | KTLA 5, Fox News, Tonight at 10 |
Early Life and Family
Courtney Friel was born on April 22, 1980, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and was raised in nearby Eagleville. She grew up in a supportive family headed by her parents, Bernard Friel and Lois Friel, alongside her two sisters, Meredith and Lindsay Friel. From an early age, she displayed a passion for television and journalism, frequently participating in her high school’s media production program.
While attending Methacton High School, Courtney regularly produced the school’s televised morning announcements. Her interest in broadcasting led her to participate in Channel One News, where a student-produced news segment helped launch her television ambitions.
Education
After high school, Friel attended San Diego State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science. Although her degree was not in journalism, she pursued broadcasting through internships and on-air opportunities, eventually building an impressive career in television news.
Broadcasting Career
Courtney began her broadcasting career as a sports anchor and entertainment reporter for GoTV Mobile Television. She later hosted the World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel and co-hosted The Saturday Night Solution on Court TV. She also worked as a field reporter for E! Entertainment, Extra, Oxygen, and several other entertainment programs.
Her first local television anchor position came at WBBJ-TV, an ABC affiliate in Jackson, Tennessee. During her first day on the job, she covered a devastating tornado outbreak, gaining valuable experience in breaking news reporting. She later worked for KPSP-TV in Palm Springs before joining Fox News Channel in 2007.
Fox News
At Fox News, Courtney became a familiar face as:
- Entertainment correspondent
- New York-based correspondent
- Fill-in host on Fox & Friends
- Frequent panelist on Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld
She also reported entertainment news for FoxNews.com and covered numerous celebrity events and breaking stories.
KTLA 5
In 2013, Courtney joined KTLA 5 in Los Angeles. She currently anchors the station’s weekend evening newscasts and reports several days each week. At KTLA, she has covered:
- Breaking news
- Wildfires
- Crime
- Politics
- Community events
- Human-interest stories
Her combination of hard news experience and approachable personality has made her one of KTLA’s most popular anchors.
Acting and Television Appearances
Beyond journalism, Courtney has appeared as herself or in cameo roles in productions, including:
- Veep
- Goliath
- American Horror Story
- xXx: Return of Xander Cage
- S.W.A.T.
These appearances reflect her visibility within the entertainment industry.
Memoir and Recovery Journey
In 2020, Courtney released her memoir:
Tonight at 10: Kicking Booze and Breaking News
The book chronicles:
- Her struggles with alcohol addiction
- Recovery and sobriety
- Anxiety and mental health
- Working in television news
- Personal resilience
Following the book’s release, she also launched the “Keepin’ It Friel: Conversations on Recovery” podcast, where she interviews guests about addiction recovery, mental health, and personal growth.
Courtney Friel Age
Courtney Friel is 46 years old as of 2026. She was born on April 22, 1980, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Courtney Friel Family
Courtney was raised by her parents, Bernard and Lois Friel, and has two sisters, Meredith and Lindsay. She frequently credits her family for supporting her throughout both her journalism career and recovery journey.
Courtney Friel Husband
Courtney has been married twice. Her first marriage was to CBS News correspondent Carter Evans. The couple married in 2005, had two children together, and divorced in 2016.
In October 2020, Courtney married Jim Hecht, an accomplished television writer and producer known for co-creating HBO’s Winning Time. The couple has shared glimpses of their life through social media while largely maintaining a private family life.
Courtney Friel Children
Courtney is the mother of two children:
- Cash Hudson Evans (born 2011)
- Cameron Kaiulani Evans (born 2012)
She frequently describes motherhood as her greatest accomplishment and often shares parenting experiences alongside her professional career.
Courtney Friel Height
Courtney Friel stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall. While some online profiles list slight variations, 5’6″ is the most consistently documented measurement from reliable biographical sources.
Courtney Friel Salary
KTLA does not publicly disclose employee salaries. Based on industry estimates for experienced Los Angeles television anchors, Courtney Friel is believed to earn between $100,000 and $250,000 annually. Some websites publish significantly higher or lower figures, but none have been confirmed by Friel or KTLA, so these should be regarded as estimates.
Courtney Friel Net Worth
As of 2026, Courtney Friel’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $5 million. Her income comes from:
- KTLA journalism
- Previous Fox News career
- Book sales
- Speaking engagements
- Podcasting
- Television appearances
Because Courtney has never publicly released her financial records, all published net worth figures are estimates rather than verified totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Courtney Friel?
Courtney Friel is an American journalist, author, and television news anchor currently working for KTLA 5 in Los Angeles. She previously worked for Fox News Channel as a correspondent and fill-in host.
How old is Courtney Friel?
She is 46 years old, having been born on April 22, 1980.
Who is Courtney Friel’s husband?
Courtney has been married to television writer and producer Jim Hecht since October 2020. She was previously married to CBS News correspondent Carter Evans.
How many children does Courtney Friel have?
She has two children, Cash Hudson Evans and Cameron Kaiulani Evans.
How tall is Courtney Friel?
She is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.
What is Courtney Friel’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $5 million, although no official financial figures have been made public.