From left to right: Fox News debate moderators Chris Wallace, Megyn Kelly, and Bret Baier. (Photo: AP)
Megyn Kelly, host of the show “The Kelly File,” will leave Fox News later this year to join NBC News, an outlet hostile to President-elect Donald J. Trump. Kelly, who has frequently criticized NBC News and others as not being “Fair and Balanced,” grew in popularity among mainstream media elites for her public feud with the then-Republican frontrunner and New York businessman.
She will join NBC News as host of a daytime news program and anchor of a Sunday night news show, three sources with knowledge of the matter told CNNMoney.
“Megyn is an exceptional journalist and news anchor, who has had an extraordinary career,” NBCUniversal News Group chairman Andy Lack said in an email to staff. “She’s demonstrated tremendous skill and poise, and we’re lucky to have her.”
While the development appears to be a major boon for NBC and blow to Fox News, Kelly’s feud has also resulted in major damage to Fox News’ brand. In August, 2015, FOX News hosted the first Republican presidential debate and boasted their highest ratings ever. But it sparked the controversy between Ms. Kelly and Mr. Trump, which viewers frowned upon.
Their brand among Republicans tanked and, according to the YouGov BrandIndex survey, their image among the general public overall also took a dive, fell to par with CNN and the trend lines were moving in the wrong direction.
Still, sources with knowledge of the matter said that Fox News has offered Kelly an annual salary of more than $20 million to stay at the network, matching the salary of her colleague and rival, Bill O’Reilly. She and her representatives also held talks with CNN, ABC and other outlets before deciding on NBC, an outlet revealed in the WikiLeaks dumps to be more than a little corrupt and bias.
NBC News has not disclosed the terms of Kelly’s new contract.
Calvin / January 3, 2017
@PPDNews remember watching on election night with Kelly, and how those around her couldn’t stand her. Could just tell.
/
Peter Snappy / January 4, 2017
@PPDNews Couldn’t stop laughing watching her get teary when the Trumpster was announced as the winner and next President USA
/
Nina J Tomasieski / January 4, 2017
@PPDNews I think leaving at the end of the week. Change in the air everywhere. ?
/
MN Jim / January 4, 2017
@PPDNews Megyn is talented but just got mighty full of herself.
/
GENOVESE / January 4, 2017
@PPDNews
Thank you! ?
/
J / January 4, 2017
@PPDNews
Right where that witch belongs. Good riddance! ?????
/
Conforti family / January 5, 2017
bye bye
/