The Full Circle Journey of Amy Hockert: From the Twin Cities to the World and Back
If you tune into FOX 9 News at 5 p.m. or catch the mid-day energy of All Day Live, you’re watching a journalist who has mastered the art of the “second act.”
Amy Hockert isn’t just a familiar face in Minnesota news; she is a native daughter whose career path reads like a travelogue of growth, risk, and a deep-seated love for her home state.
While many news anchors follow a linear path from small markets to big cities, Amy’s story is defined by a bold six-year hiatus.
In 2008, at the height of her popularity at KARE 11, she stepped away from the bright lights to build a family in Washington, D.C., and eventually, South America.
Today, she is back where she belongs, blending veteran authority with a relatable, down-to-earth warmth that only comes from seeing the world through a broader lens.
A Minnesota Native with Small-Town Roots
Amy Hockert is a true product of the North Star State. Growing up, she lived the quintessential Minnesota life, moving through towns like Morris, Marshall, Alexandria, and Moorhead.
This upbringing gave her an intuitive understanding of the diverse voices across the state—from rural farming communities to the bustling metro.
She stayed local for her education, attending Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she earned her degree in Mass Communications.
It was here that the foundation for her storytelling was laid, proving that you don’t need a big-city school to build a big-city career.
The Early Career: Cutting Her Teeth in the Dakotas
Before she was a household name in the Twin Cities, Amy paid her dues in the “frozen tundra” of the North. Her early milestones included:
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Fargo-Moorhead: Getting her first taste of the newsroom during college.
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Minot, North Dakota: Learning the ropes of live reporting in a high-stakes environment.
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Raleigh, North Carolina: A brief but impactful stint on the East Coast.
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KARE 11 (2002–2008): Her first major Twin Cities role, where she served as a reporter and anchor for six years.
The Great Leap: From Newsroom to Quito
In 2008, Amy made a decision that shocked many in the industry: she left her thriving career at KARE 11.
Most journalists fear that leaving the desk means never getting back on it, but Amy prioritized her growing family.
Alongside her husband—who worked for the State Department—she moved to Washington, D.C. and later to Quito, Ecuador.
During these years, Amy wasn’t just “away”; she was evolving. She spent time volunteering at orphanages in China and helping those in poverty in Ecuador.
This global perspective humanized her reporting style, adding a layer of empathy that viewers notice today.
“I learned how to re-define success when life doesn’t go according to plan.” — Amy Hockert on her time away from TV.
The Return: Digital Pioneer to FOX 9 Anchor
Amy’s “comeback” wasn’t traditional. In 2013, she returned to Minnesota not as a face on TV, but as the VP of News and Editor-in-Chief for the digital startup Bring Me The News. Working alongside her mentor, Rick Kupchella, she helped revolutionize how Minnesotans consume digital content.
In 2015, the “full circle” moment finally arrived when she joined FOX 9 (KMSP-TV). Since then, she has become a pillar of the station, hosting All Day Live and anchoring the 5 p.m. news.
Behind the Scenes: Dogs, Documentaries, and Korean Cooking
When the cameras turn off, Amy is as “Minnesota” as it gets. A die-hard fan of the Vikings and Timberwolves, she is often seen cheering on her teams (and even giving the occasional “pep talk” on air during playoff runs).
Her personal life highlights include:
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Heritage: She frequently speaks fondly of her mom’s Korean cooking.
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Hobbies: Traveling with her family and listening to self-help podcasts.
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Home Life: Relaxing in sweats with her two dogs and a cat while watching documentaries.
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Philanthropy: A continued passion for local and international charity work.
Amy Hockert at a Glance: Fast Facts
| Category | Details |
| Current Role | Anchor (FOX 9 News at 5) & Host (All Day Live) |
| Education | BS in Mass Communications, MSU Moorhead |
| Ethnicity | Korean-American |
| Family | Married with two children (Elise and Christian) |
| Known For | Relatable storytelling and “Full Circle” career path |
| Favorite Teams | Minnesota Timberwolves & Vikings |
What’s Next for Amy?
As the media landscape shifts toward streaming, Amy has positioned herself at the forefront with All Day Live.
Her ability to pivot from hard news to conversational streaming shows she isn’t just a veteran; she’s a trendsetter.
Whether she’s interviewing the “Ted Lasso of the NBA” or breaking down Medicare changes for 2026, her focus remains the same: serving the community she calls home.
Want to keep up with Amy? You can follow her on social media @amyhockert or catch her live every weekday on FOX 9.
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