Megyn Kelly, a household name in American journalism, made headlines when she left Fox News in 2017. Her departure sparked widespread curiosity and debate, as she was one of the network's most prominent and influential anchors. Known for her sharp interviewing skills and fearless approach to tackling controversial topics, Kelly had become a staple of Fox News programming. However, her exit marked the end of an era and raised questions about the challenges faced by women in media and the internal dynamics of major news networks. What led to her decision? Was it purely professional, or were there personal factors at play? This article dives deep into the reasons behind her departure, her career trajectory, and what she has been up to since leaving Fox News.
Megyn Kelly’s tenure at Fox News was marked by both triumphs and controversies. She joined the network in 2004 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in its prime-time lineup. Her show, *The Kelly File*, was one of the network's highest-rated programs, drawing millions of viewers each night. However, her relationship with Fox News became strained over time, particularly during the 2016 presidential election. Her pointed questioning of then-candidate Donald Trump during a Republican debate brought her both praise and criticism, and it also highlighted the growing tensions between her and the network’s leadership. These tensions ultimately played a role in her decision to leave Fox News and pursue new opportunities.
Since leaving Fox, Megyn Kelly has explored new ventures, including hosting her own show on NBC and launching a podcast. Her journey offers valuable insights into the challenges of navigating a high-profile career in media and the importance of staying true to one’s values. In this article, we will explore her biography, the reasons behind her departure from Fox News, and the impact of her decision on her career and the media landscape. Whether you’re a fan of her work or simply curious about the story behind her exit, this article will provide a comprehensive look at why Megyn Kelly left Fox News and what she has achieved since.
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Table of Contents
- Biography of Megyn Kelly
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- Why Did Megyn Kelly Leave Fox News?
- What Was Megyn Kelly’s Career Journey at Fox News?
- What Were the Major Conflicts During Her Time at Fox?
- What Did Megyn Kelly Do After Leaving Fox News?
- How Did Her Departure Impact Fox News?
- What Are Megyn Kelly’s Future Plans?
Biography of Megyn Kelly
Megyn Kelly is an American journalist, television host, and author who gained national prominence during her time at Fox News. Born on November 18, 1970, in Chatham, New York, she grew up in a middle-class family and developed an early interest in law and journalism. After earning her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, she pursued a law degree at Albany Law School. Her legal background provided her with a unique perspective and skill set that she later leveraged in her journalism career.
Kelly began her career as a corporate attorney but soon transitioned to journalism, starting as a local news reporter in Chicago. Her talent and determination quickly caught the attention of larger networks, and in 2004, she joined Fox News. Over the years, she became one of the network’s most recognizable faces, known for her no-nonsense interviewing style and ability to tackle complex issues. Her rise to fame was not without challenges, but she consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Megyn Marie Kelly |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Chatham, New York, USA |
| Education | Syracuse University (B.A.), Albany Law School (J.D.) |
| Occupation | Journalist, Television Host, Author |
| Years Active | 2004–Present |
| Notable Works | The Kelly File, Megyn Kelly Today, The Megyn Kelly Show (Podcast) |
| Spouse | Douglas Brunt (m. 2008) |
| Children | Three |
Why Did Megyn Kelly Leave Fox News?
The question on everyone’s mind is: Why did Megyn Kelly leave Fox News? The answer lies in a combination of professional aspirations, personal values, and internal conflicts. While Fox News was a significant part of her career, Kelly reportedly felt that the network’s culture and leadership were not aligned with her vision for the future. She wanted to explore new opportunities that would allow her to grow as a journalist and reach a broader audience.
One of the primary reasons for her departure was her strained relationship with Fox News’ leadership, particularly after the 2016 presidential election. Her pointed questioning of Donald Trump during a Republican debate drew widespread attention but also created tension within the network. Fox News, which had long been seen as a conservative-leaning outlet, reportedly faced pressure to align more closely with Trump’s administration, a shift that Kelly reportedly did not support. This ideological divergence made it increasingly difficult for her to continue working at the network.
Additionally, Kelly expressed a desire to expand her horizons beyond cable news. She reportedly felt that her growth was being stifled at Fox and that she needed a new platform to explore different types of storytelling. This led her to sign a lucrative deal with NBC, where she hoped to host a daytime talk show and contribute to news programming. While her tenure at NBC was short-lived, her decision to leave Fox News marked a significant turning point in her career.
What Were the Major Conflicts During Her Time at Fox?
During her time at Fox News, Megyn Kelly faced several conflicts that ultimately influenced her decision to leave. One of the most notable was her public feud with Donald Trump, which began during the 2016 Republican primary debates. Kelly’s tough questioning of Trump about his history of making derogatory comments about women drew both praise and backlash. While many viewers admired her courage, Trump and his supporters accused her of bias, and the controversy reportedly strained her relationship with Fox News’ leadership.
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Another major conflict was the internal culture at Fox News. The network faced numerous scandals during Kelly’s tenure, including allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Kelly herself addressed these issues in her memoir, *Settle for More*, where she revealed that she had been sexually harassed by former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes. These experiences likely contributed to her decision to leave the network, as she sought a workplace environment that was more aligned with her values.
Finally, there were creative differences between Kelly and Fox News’ leadership. She reportedly wanted more editorial freedom and the ability to tackle a wider range of topics. However, the network’s focus on conservative commentary and opinion-driven programming limited her ability to pursue these goals. These conflicts, combined with her desire for new challenges, ultimately led her to seek opportunities elsewhere.
What Was Megyn Kelly’s Career Journey at Fox News?
Megyn Kelly’s career at Fox News was nothing short of remarkable. She joined the network in 2004 as a general assignment reporter and quickly established herself as a rising star. Her legal background and sharp intellect made her a natural fit for covering high-profile legal cases and political stories. Over time, she became a regular contributor to Fox News’ daytime programming and eventually landed her own show, *The Kelly File*, in 2013.
*The Kelly File* was a game-changer for Kelly and Fox News. The show’s prime-time slot allowed her to tackle a wide range of topics, from breaking news to in-depth interviews with political figures. Her fearless approach to journalism earned her a loyal following and made her one of the network’s most valuable assets. However, her success also brought challenges, particularly during the 2016 presidential election.
Despite the controversies and conflicts, Kelly’s time at Fox News was marked by significant achievements. She broke numerous stories, interviewed influential figures, and became a role model for aspiring journalists. Her departure from the network was bittersweet, as it marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
How Did Her Departure Impact Fox News?
Megyn Kelly’s departure from Fox News had a profound impact on the network. As one of its most popular and influential anchors, her exit left a void in Fox’s prime-time lineup. The network struggled to fill the gap she left behind, and her absence was felt by both viewers and advertisers. Her departure also highlighted the growing tensions between Fox News and its talent, particularly in the wake of the scandals that had rocked the network.
On a broader level, Kelly’s exit signaled a shift in the media landscape. Her decision to leave Fox for NBC reflected a desire to reach a more diverse audience and explore different types of programming. This move also underscored the challenges faced by traditional cable news networks in retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive industry.
What Did Megyn Kelly Do After Leaving Fox News?
After leaving Fox News, Megyn Kelly signed a multi-million-dollar deal with NBC to host a daytime talk show and contribute to the network’s news programming. While her talk show, *Megyn Kelly Today*, received mixed reviews, it allowed her to explore new formats and topics. She also hosted a Sunday night news show, where she continued to interview prominent figures and cover major stories.
Despite her efforts, Kelly’s tenure at NBC was short-lived. Her controversial comments about Christmas and her interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones led to backlash and ultimately resulted in the cancellation of her talk show. However, she did not let this setback define her. In 2020, she launched *The Megyn Kelly Show*, a podcast that has since gained a loyal following. Through her podcast, she has been able to engage with her audience on a more personal level and discuss a wide range of topics.
What Are Megyn Kelly’s Future Plans?
Looking ahead, Megyn Kelly shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to host her podcast, which has become a platform for her to share her thoughts on current events, culture, and personal experiences. She has also expressed interest in writing another book and exploring new opportunities in media. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Megyn Kelly will continue to make waves and challenge the status quo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Megyn Kelly Leave Fox News?
Megyn Kelly left Fox News due to a combination of professional aspirations, personal values, and internal conflicts. She reportedly felt stifled by the network’s culture and leadership and wanted to explore new opportunities that would allow her to grow as a journalist.
What Was Megyn Kelly’s Most Controversial Moment at Fox News?
One of Megyn Kelly’s most controversial moments at Fox News was her questioning of Donald Trump during a 2016 Republican debate. Her pointed questions about his history of derogatory comments about women drew both praise and backlash, highlighting the challenges of covering political figures.
Is Megyn Kelly Still Active in Journalism?
Yes, Megyn Kelly is still active in journalism. She currently hosts *The Megyn Kelly Show*, a podcast where she discusses current events, culture, and personal experiences. She has also expressed interest in writing another book and exploring new opportunities in media.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s departure from Fox News marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Her journey offers valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. Whether you admire her work or not, there’s no denying that Megyn Kelly has left an indelible mark on the media landscape.
For more information about Megyn Kelly’s career and achievements, you can visit her official website here.
