Megyn Kelly is a prominent figure in American journalism, known her sharp interviewing skill, strong opinions, or successful career spanning both cable and broadcast news. This article delves into Megyn Kelly’s net worth, examining the various factors that contribute to her financial standing and providing a comprehensive overview of her income sources and career milestones.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Megyn Kelly’s path to financial success began long before she became a household name. After graduating from Syracuse University and Albany Law School, she initially practiced law, working as an associate in a Chicago law firm and later at Jones Day in New York City. However, her passion lay elsewhere, and she decided to pursue a career in journalism.
Kelly’s broadcasting career started at WJBK-TV, a CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., where she worked as a general assignment reporter. This early experience laid the groundwork for her move to Fox News in 2004.
Fox News Years: Building a Foundation
Megyn Kelly’s tenure at Fox News was instrumental in building her brand and significantly increasing her income. She quickly rose through the ranks, hosting various shows and becoming a key player in Fox News’ primetime lineup.
Key Roles at Fox News
- America’s Newsroom: Kelly initially co-anchored this daytime news program, providing her with valuable on-air experience and national exposure.
- America Live: This solo anchor role allowed Kelly to demonstrate her interviewing skills and insightful analysis of current events.
- The Kelly File: This primetime show became a flagship program for Fox News, solidifying Kelly’s position as a leading voice in conservative media. “The Kelly File” routinely attracted large audiences, contributing significantly to Fox News’ ratings and Kelly’s salary.
Salary Growth at Fox News
As Kelly’s profile grew, so did her compensation. Initially earning a modest salary, her compensation increased exponentially over the years. Reports indicate that by the time she left Fox News in 2017, she was earning an estimated $15 million to $20 million per year.
Move to NBC and Subsequent Departure
In 2017, Megyn Kelly made a high-profile move to NBC News, signaling a shift in her career direction. The network hoped to capitalize on her star power by giving her multiple roles.
“Megyn Kelly Today”
NBC offered Kelly a daytime talk show titled “Megyn Kelly Today.” The show was intended to compete with other daytime talk programs and provide a platform for Kelly to engage in lighter, more conversational content. However, the show struggled to find its footing and faced criticism for its tone and content.
Salary and Contract Details at NBC
NBC reportedly offered Kelly lucrative three-year contract worth estimated $69 million. This placed her among the highest-paid personalities in broadcast news. However, her tenure at NBC was short-lived.
Controversy and Termination
In October 2018, “Megyn Kelly Today” was abruptly cancelled after Kelly made controversial remarks about blackface during a Halloween segment. The resulting backlash led to her swift departure from NBC. While details of her settlement with NBC are confidential, it’s widely believed that she received a significant payout, possibly covering a substantial portion of her remaining contract. This payout would have further bolstered her already impressive net worth.
Other Income Streams and Investments
Beyond her television salaries, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is also influenced by other income streams and investments.
Book Deals
Kelly is the author of two New York Times bestselling books: “Settle for More” and “Settle for More.” These books, which chronicle her life and career, have generated significant income through royalties and sales.
Public Speaking Engagements
As a well-known media personality, Kelly commands high fees for public speaking engagements. These appearances contribute to her overall income and provide another avenue for her to connect with audiences.
Production Company and Media Ventures
Kelly has also ventured into media production, further diversifying her income streams. The exact details of her production company’s projects and financial performance are not publicly available, but it represents another avenue for revenue generation. She also hosts “The Megyn Kelly Show” on SiriusXM, bringing in revenue via subscriptions and advertising.
Real Estate and Investments
Like many high-net-worth individuals, Kelly likely has investments in real estate, stocks, and other assets. The specifics of her investment portfolio remain private.
Factors Affecting Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth
Several factors have played a crucial role in shaping Megyn Kelly’s net worth:
- Negotiation Skills: Kelly has demonstrated strong negotiation skills throughout her career, securing favorable contracts and compensation packages.
- Market Demand: Her popularity and perceived value to networks have driven up her earning potential.
- Risk-Taking: Moving from a secure position at Fox News to NBC involved considerable risk, but ultimately proved lucrative, at least initially.
- Public Image: Controversies and public perception can significantly impact earning potential in the media industry. While her statements at NBC damaged her image, she ultimately secured a substantial settlement, mitigating the financial impact.
- Diversification: Kelly’s forays into writing, public speaking, and media production have diversified her income streams and reduced her reliance on a single source of revenue.
Estimated Net Worth
Based on available information, including her salaries at Fox News and NBC, book sales, speaking engagements, and potential investments, Megyn Kelly’s estimated net worth is believed to be in the range of $45 million to \$50 million. This figure is an estimate, as the exact details of her finances are not publicly available.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s journey from legal career to a prominent figure in the media has been marked by strategic career moves, strong negotiation skills, or willingness to take risks. While controversies have undoubtedly impacted her career trajectory, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to bounce back and maintain a significant presence in the media landscape. Her estimated net worth reflects her success in building a valuable brand and leveraging her skills across multiple platforms. Her story serves as an example of how ambition, talent, and strategic decision-making can lead to substantial financial success in the competitive world of journalism.
