Chicago's Paula Faris Officially Named Co-Anchor of ABC's 'World News Now,' 'America This Morning'

The broadcaster will also contribute to other broadcasts and platforms, including "Good Morning America."

10:37 AM PST 12/22/2011 by Jethro Nededog

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While reports have speculated this move since October, ABC News President Ben Sherwood announced on Thursday that it has officially hired Paula Faris as the new co-anchor to its overnight news program, World News Now, and its half hour morning newscast, America This Morning.

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The WMAQ-Channel 5 in Chicago sports anchor and reporter will co-anchor with Rob Nelson on the two programs, as well as contribute to Good Morning America in addition other ABC News broadcasts and platforms starting Jan. 2.

The Michigan native started her career behind the scenes in production for eight years before getting an on-air position at WKEF/WRGT-TV in Dayton, then moving to WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. The 36-year-old spent six years at Chicago's WMAQ where she started in October 2005.

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Faris will be the first permanent co-anchor for the programs since Vinita Nair left in February. The position has served as a stepping-stone for several reporters including Anderson Cooper, who co-anchored rom 1999 to 2000.

Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com; Twitter: @TheRealJethro