In an incredibly well-kept secret only confirmed by the U.S. media less than 90 minutes before the official announcement, John McCain has chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Fox News was first with the news at 10:35:07amET, CNN was next at 10:36:14 and MSNBC followed at 10:37:40. FNC's Carl Cameron reporting, "We have got it. A senior McCain campaign official has given official confirmation to Fox News." The FNC confirmation followed reporting from sources "backstage" telling a Fox News producer that Palin was the pick.

CBS' Kelly Wallace anchored a special report for the network at 10:39; ABC's special report went up a few seconds later with Charlie Gibson anchoring, and the Today show's Matt Lauer anchored an NBC News special report that began at 10:40.