Megyn Kelly is one of the most recognized figures in American journalism, television, and media. From her early days as a litigator to her successful career as a television host, she has proven to be an astute professional with the talent to handle some of the most high-profile media assignments. As a former host on Fox News and later NBC, Megyn Kelly’s career trajectory has been dynamic, leading many to wonder about her financial standing. This article delves into Megyn Kelly’s journey, her career milestones, and most importantly, Megyn Kelly Net Worth, exploring how she achieved her financial success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, Megyn Kelly’s journey to becoming one of America’s most influential television personalities wasn’t a traditional one. Initially, Kelly pursued a career in law. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, she attended Albany Law School, where she earned her law degree. She spent a few years as a corporate litigator before realizing that her true passion was in broadcasting.
Her transition from law to media began in the early 2000s when she joined the Washington, D.C. affiliate of ABC News. Kelly’s natural charisma, keen intelligence, and ability to handle challenging stories quickly garnered attention, paving the way for her to join Fox News in 2004.
Rise to Fame at Fox News
Megyn Kelly’s career took off when she joined Fox News as a reporter. Over the next several years, she worked her way up, eventually becoming one of the network’s highest-profile anchors. Her breakthrough came with the success of The Kelly File, which premiered in 2013. The show, which aired during the prime time 9 p.m. slot, was a ratings success and established Kelly as one of the most influential and controversial figures in television news.
During her time at Fox News, Kelly net worth began to rise rapidly. As a host of one of the network’s most popular shows, her salary was significant, and she became known for her no-nonsense style of journalism, particularly during high-profile interviews with political figures and celebrities. She covered major news events, including presidential elections, and was known for her bold questions and incisive commentary.
Kelly’s ability to balance hard news with cultural and political commentary helped her gain a wide following, making her one of the most recognized faces in American media. It was during this period that the world began to take notice of her growing influence, both on-screen and behind the scenes. This prominence led to increasingly lucrative contracts and multiple endorsement deals, contributing to her rising Megyn Kelly net worth.
A Lucrative Contract and Rising Net Worth
In 2016, Megyn Kelly signed a new contract with Fox News that was reported to be worth $15 million annually. This contract solidified her position as one of the highest-paid journalists in the United States. It was a clear indication of her value within the industry and demonstrated the level of success she had achieved in her career.
This new salary also reflected Kelly’s impact on Fox News’ bottom line. Her program consistently drew high ratings, especially during key news cycles such as the 2016 presidential election, where she played a major role in moderating debates and covering events. With her popularity peaking at Fox News, it was clear that her Megyn Kelly net worth was growing rapidly, alongside her career trajectory.
During her tenure at Fox, Kelly also received attention for her bold stances on a range of issues, from gender equality in the workplace to the #MeToo movement. Her decision to speak out on personal issues, including her own experience with workplace harassment, earned her respect from both fans and critics alike, further cementing her status as a respected media personality.
Megyn Kelly’s Move to NBC
In 2017, Kelly shocked the media world when she left Fox News to join NBC. Her contract with NBC reportedly earned her around $18 million per year, a substantial increase from her previous deal at Fox. This move marked a significant shift in her career, as she transitioned from hard news to more lifestyle-oriented programming.
At NBC, Kelly hosted Megyn Kelly Today, a morning show that was designed to compete with other established shows like Good Morning America and The Today Show. However, the transition was not as smooth as expected. Megyn Kelly Today struggled with ratings, particularly when compared to other morning talk shows, and Kelly’s style of journalism didn’t always mesh well with NBC’s audience. Despite her efforts to make the show more lighthearted and engaging, it was canceled in 2018 after just one season.
The cancellation of Megyn Kelly Today was a significant moment in Kelly’s career. While the show didn’t succeed as planned, her financial standing remained strong due to her high-paying contract with NBC. Even though the show’s ratings were low, Kelly’s reputation as a formidable television personality remained intact. This period was one of the most financially lucrative for Kelly, as her Megyn Kelly net worth continued to grow due to her massive salary and her prominence in the media.
The Impact of Her NBC Departure on Megyn Kelly Net Worth
After her departure from NBC, Kelly remained a subject of public interest, although she did not immediately return to broadcasting. During this time, Kelly net worth was largely unaffected, as her contracts at both Fox and NBC had already set her up for long-term financial success. In fact, it was reported that she was paid out a significant portion of her contract following her exit from NBC, ensuring her financial security despite her departure from the network.
Kelly’s decision to step away from the daily grind of live television was seen by many as a strategic move to recalibrate her career. The decision, though it seemed like a setback in terms of her media career, did not impact her overall financial standing. Her financial independence, thanks to her lucrative contracts, ensured that her Megyn Kelly net worth remained robust.
Megyn Kelly’s Other Income Sources and Investments
While Megyn Kelly’s television contracts have been the main source of her income, she also has various other income streams that contribute to her overall net worth. For example, Kelly has signed endorsement deals with major brands, appeared on speaking circuits, and even authored a best-selling book.
Her book, Settle for More, which was published in 2016, provides insight into her career and personal life, especially her time at Fox News. The book received positive reviews and added to Kelly’s financial portfolio, as it became a bestseller. With royalties from the book and continued speaking engagements, Kelly’s Megyn Kelly net worth continued to grow in the years following her time at NBC.
Kelly has also maintained a presence on social media, where she has built a personal brand separate from her television work. Her online presence, combined with her personal business ventures, further adds to her wealth. She has been known to partner with various companies for sponsored content and advertising deals, which have contributed to her expanding financial portfolio.
Megyn Kelly’s Financial Legacy
As of today, Megyn Kelly net worth is estimated to be in the range of $70 million to $100 million, depending on various factors such as investments, book royalties, and future ventures. Her financial success is a testament to her ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of American media, shifting from news reporting to talk shows and beyond.
Megyn Kelly Net Worth, while primarily derived from her work in television, is also influenced by her broader influence in the world of media. She remains a key figure in journalism and public discourse, even after stepping away from traditional broadcasting. Whether she returns to television or focuses on other projects, it is clear that Megyn Kelly’s net worth will continue to be supported by her intelligence, business acumen, and the strong brand she has built over the years.
What’s Next for Megyn Kelly?
While it’s unclear what the future holds for Megyn Kelly in terms of television roles, it’s certain that she will continue to be an influential voice in media. Her decision to take a break from traditional broadcasting could signal a new chapter for her career, potentially in digital media or other ventures where she can leverage her vast experience.
Whatever direction Kelly chooses, one thing is certain: Megyn Kelly Net Worth will likely continue to grow due to her established presence and influence. She has demonstrated time and again that she is a resilient figure who can adapt to the changing tides of the media landscape, and her financial success is a reflection of that resilience.
Conclusion: Megyn Kelly’s Continued Impact
Megyn Kelly’s journey from a corporate litigator to one of the most recognized faces in American media is a testament to her ambition, talent, and determination. From her days at Fox News to her time at NBC and beyond, Kelly has made significant contributions to journalism and television, all while amassing a substantial net worth along the way.
Despite the challenges she faced during her transition from Fox to NBC, her ability to navigate those challenges and adapt to new opportunities has solidified her financial and professional success. As she continues to shape her career, Kelly’s legacy as a media personality and her impressive net worth will remain a reflection of her remarkable achievements in the world of American journalism.
With multiple income streams and a well-established career, Megyn Kelly net worth is sure to be a central element of her continued success in whatever new ventures she chooses to pursue. Whether it’s through book deals, speaking engagements, or other media projects, Megyn Kelly’s financial future remains secure, making her one of the most influential figures in contemporary media.
