[5] Prior to her move to Los Angeles, Friel was the entertainment reporter at Fox News Channel, contributing to a number of entertainment-related programs for the network's website, FoxNews.com.

After submitting a short video, she was chosen to appear in Channel One News student-produced week[clarification needed] in Los Angeles.

[6] Friel was a sports anchor and entertainment reporter for GoTV Mobile Television, as well as the hostess for the World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel.

She also worked as a field reporter for various networks including E!, Oxygen Channel and Comcast Cable, the World Poker Tour, as well as the syndicated program Extra.

[1] Courtney released an autobiography entitled Tonight at 10: Kicking Booze and Breaking News that details her past drug and alcohol addictions.