Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth: Why Did Megyn Kelly Walk Away From NBC’s $69 Million Worth Deal?
Megyn Kelly, a luminary in American journalism and television hosting, has carved a remarkable career path since 2003. Her journey in the media industry has been characterized by both acclaim and controversy. Widely recognized for her reporting skills and on-screen charisma, Kelly has left an indelible mark on the landscape of broadcast journalism.
However, beneath the veneer of acclaim lies a career marked by the polarizing nature of her forthright style. While this approach has garnered her a substantial following, it has not been without its fair share of criticism. The contours of Megyn Kelly’s professional journey took a dramatic turn during her tenure as a host at NBC News, where a particular set of comments became the epicenter of intense scrutiny.
Megyn Kelly’s Financial Triumph Amidst her Controversial Media Career
Megyn Kelly‘s trajectory in the realm of television hosting and political commentary has been nothing short of triumphant. Her meteoric rise to fame commenced as a talk show host for Fox News, where she held sway from 2004 to 2017. During this period, Kelly became an influential force, earning recognition from Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world in 2014.
The zenith of Kelly’s television career unfolded in 2013 when she took the helm of The Kelly File on Fox News. This show quickly became a cornerstone of the network’s programming, consistently dominating the rating race. According to Celebrity Networth, Her financial success mirrored her popularity, with an annual income of around $8 million during her tenure at Fox News. This salary made her one of the highest-earning employees in the network.
According to Celebrity Networth, Kelly published her autobiography Settle for More with Harper Collins, part of a lucrative $10 million deal in 2016. Transitioning to NBC News in 2017, she secured a high-profile three-year deal worth $69 million. Annual earnings at NBC reached $23 million, enhancing her considerable wealth. With a reported net worth of $45 million, Megyn Kelly is not just a successful journalist but also one of the wealthiest in the celebrity domain. Yet, controversy remained a constant companion throughout her career.
Megyn Kelly’s Controversial Exit from NBC
In 2017, Megyn Kelly embarked on a new chapter with NBC News following the expiration of her contract with Fox. However, in October 2018, her association with the network took a tumultuous turn. During a segment on Megyn Kelly Today, she defended the controversial practice of dressing up in blackface for Halloween, sparking widespread condemnation as her comments quickly went viral.
Despite issuing an apology, the damage was done. Colleagues Al Roker and Craig Melvin confronted her on air, while NBC News chairman Andy Lack reportedly expressed disapproval in a company-wide meeting. Initially taken off the air, Kelly’s Today hour faced cancellation by the end of the week.
Ultimately, NBC decided to terminate Kelly’s contract, just a year into her three-year deal, though she was slated to receive the remaining compensation of a $69 million deal. Marca reports that she walked away with a notable $30 million payout and the prospect of exploring opportunities with competing news networks.
Despite facing significant backlash, Kelly refused to be deterred and took a bold step forward. Opting for an independent route, she launched Devil May Care Media, a production company dedicated to backing podcasts and shows that delve into the latest news, current events, legal matters, and cultural issues.
Embracing autonomy, Kelly became the host of the popular podcast titled The Megyn Kelly Show, steering the content creation by herself. Megyn Kelly’s resilience in the face of controversy extends beyond her podcast endeavours.
