Fox News ratings superstar Megyn Kelly bolts for NBC
Departure is latest blow to cable giant
Megyn Kelly is signing off on Fox News to join rival NBC News.
The popular cable network personality said Tuesday that she will anchor a new, one-hour daytime program, said Andrew Lack, chairman of the NBC Universal News Group, in a statement.
As part of a broad, multiyear deal, Kelly also will anchor a new Sunday evening news magazine show and contribute to NBC’s coverage of breaking news and political and special events.
NBC said details on Kelly’s duties will be announced in the coming months.
Kelly, who was reportedly paid $15 million a year by Fox in the last year of her deal set to expire in July, was seeking $20 million for her next contract, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The anchor of The Kelly File since 2013 delivered top ratings to Fox while playing a prominent role in the 2016 presidential election. She repeatedly sparred with President-elect Donald Trump, punctuated by a contentious showdown at the first GOP debate, in which she confronted him about his insulting remarks about women.
Trump countered with slashing remarks in which he insinuated Kelly was antagonistic to him in the debate because she was menstruating. The two eventually met in Trump’s office to hash out their differences.
She also clashed with former Fox News chief Roger Ailes, who left the top-rated news organization he helped shape over accusations of sexual harassment. She said Ailes harassed her starting in
2005, according to her book, Settle for More.
Kelly, who reportedly held talks with ABC and CNN, among others, is expected to host her last show on Fox on Friday.
The departure of Kelly, whose ratings were second only to those of her colleague Bill O’Reilly, is a major blow to Fox, which has retained most of its top talent.
“We thank Megyn Kelly for her 12 years of contributions to Fox News. We hope she enjoys tremendous success in her career and wish her and her family all the best,” Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of 21st Century Fox, said in a statement.