Out at Fox News
Kelly to NBC after 12 years at FNC
Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly is jumping to NBC News after 12 years at the No. 1-rated cable news network, it was announced Tuesday.
Kelly — who famously butted heads with President-elect Donald Trump during and after a presidential debate — hosts “The Kelly File” on Fox News but will take on an expanded role at the Peacock Network, Andrew Lack, chairman of NBC-Universal News Group, said in a statement.
Kelly, 46, signed a multiyear deal with NBC News. Terms of the contract were not disclosed — but she was said to be earning $15 million a year at Fox.
Kelly will host a new Monday-Friday one-hour daytime program plus anchor a new Sunday evening news magazine, NBC Network said. No details of times for the shows were announced. She will not be joining MSNBC, according to reports.
Kelly will also “become an important contributor to NBC’s breaking news coverage as well as to the network’s political and special events coverage,” the announcement also said.
Kelly’s biggest flare-up during the elections was a dustup with Trump after she asked the then-candidate if his comments about women could be viewed as “presidential.”
Trump berated Kelly in a tweet-storm, and Kelly returned fire — saying her question was appropriate.
The two later made up and Kelly conducted a prime-time special with Trump ahead of the election.
“Megyn is an exceptional journalist and news anchor, who has had an extraordinary career,” Lack said in a statement. “She’s demonstrated tremendous skill and poise, and we’re lucky to have her.”
No start date has been given, but she will end her time at Fox News Channel this Friday, the network confirmed.
On Facebook, Kelly addressed her fans, writing:
“Over a dozen years ago I started at Fox News in a job that would change my life. Now, I have decided to end my time at FNC, incredibly enriched for the experiences I’ve had.
“I remain deeply grateful to Fox News, to [Executive Chairman] Rupert, [Execu- tive Chairman] Lachlan and [Chief Executive Officer] James Murdoch, and especially to all of the FNC viewers, who have taught me so much about what really matters. More to come soon.
“Happy New Year, and God bless.”
Kelly’s current contract with Fox ends July 31, sources said.
Kelly joined Fox News Channel in 2004 as a Washington-based correspondent and quickly proved she could attract viewers.
“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,” 21st Century Fox chief, Rupert Murdoch, said in a statement.