Megyn Kelly’s departure from Fox News in late 2017 marked a significant transition for the network and for her career. In October of that year, Fox News and Kelly mutually agreed to part ways after just over two years hosting daytime programming and special events coverage. The exit followed a high-profile interview with Ben Bradlee Jr. that drew sharp criticism and intensified internal and external scrutiny. This explainer outlines the key facts behind her firing, what led to the decision, and how it reshaped her professional trajectory in the years that followed.
Timeline and Key Events
Understanding the chronology helps clarify why the departure occurred and how it unfolded in the public sphere. Kelly joined Fox News in 2013 after a prominent role at NBC News, anchoring daytime coverage and later helming election night programs. Her visibility grew, but so did controversy, particularly around her comments on cultural issues and race. The network’s leadership faced mounting pressure, culminating in an abrupt announcement on October 24, 2017, that her contract would not be renewed beyond its existing term.
The Ben Bradlee Jr. Interview
A pivotal moment came during a televised interview with veteran journalist Ben Bradlee Jr. in October 2017. In the exchange, Kelly made remarks about race that were widely perceived as dismissive and ill-informed, drawing sharp backlash from viewers, advocacy groups, and media critics. The interview generated intense criticism and placed additional strain on her relationship with the network’s executive team, accelerating talks about an exit.
Contract and Compensation Details
At the time of her departure, Kelly was among Fox News’s highest-paid personalities, with a contract valued in the mid-seven figures. While the exact financial terms were not disclosed publicly in full, industry reports indicated her annual compensation was substantial, supported by long-term agreements signed after her initial move from NBC. The decision not to extend her contract reflected both financial considerations and strategic alignment within the network’s leadership.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Status at Time of Departure | Not renewed beyond existing term | Network and trade publication reports |
| Annual Compensation Estimate | Several million dollars (mid-seven figures) | Industry media reports |
| Role at Fox News | d>Anchor and Special Events HostNetwork announcements and bios | |
| Tenure at Fox News | 2013 to October 2017 | Public employment records |
Network and Industry Reaction
Fox News framed the departure as a mutual decision, emphasizing stability and continuity across its programming lineup. Executive leadership underscored the importance of maintaining consistent editorial standards and audience trust. Industry analysts noted that the move reflected heightened sensitivity around on-air commentary, particularly on polarizing social and political topics. The exit also opened opportunities for other voices aligned more closely with the network’s evolving strategy.
Career Impact and Next Steps
After leaving Fox News, Kelly focused on broader media projects, including podcasting and speaking engagements. She maintained a public profile through interviews and commentary, though she did not return to a similarly prominent role on a nightly news program. Her long-term presence in national news remained influential, but the Fox chapter closed amid lessons about the pressures facing high-profile news personalities in a fast-moving media environment.
Lasting Takeaways
Megyn Kelly’s exit from Fox News serves as a case study in how media contracts, public perception, and editorial direction intersect. It highlights the weight of on-air statements, the expectations surrounding neutrality in news roles, and the business considerations that shape talent decisions at major networks. For audiences and industry professionals alike, the episode offers insight into the dynamics that govern prime-time news personalities and the conditions under which such relationships can sustain long-term growth.