Megyn Kelly leaving Fox News for CNN?
Megyn Kelly is one of the most recognizable TV news anchors today. As she holds contract discussions with Fox News, questions arise on whether she will stay with the network or move to a new one. Speculations are rife that she could be moving to CNN.
According to Drudge, CNN head Jeff Zucker has been wooing Kelly. A source who is reportedly knowledgeable of the ongoing talks between the two claims the former is moving mountains to get Kelly but may not be able to match the $20 million a year that Fox is offering Kelly. Instead, CNN will allegedly make-up for the difference through heavy promotion and exposure through all TIME WARNER outlets.
Despite the hefty salary that Fox has put on the table, there are factors that could potentially lead the popular anchor to bring her talents elsewhere.
Kelly was reportedly unpopular among colleagues at Fox.
Earlier this year, Fox News had to deal with sexual abuse scandal when its then CEO Roger Ailes was accused of sexual assault or harassment by several female personalities employed at the network. Those who came out include Gretchen Carlson, whom Fox, on behalf of Ailes, paid $20 million in out-of-court settlement; and Andrea Tataros, who turned down a seven-figure settlement, as revealed by her lawyer to Variety. In her book that came out last month, Kelly revealed that she was also a victim of Ailes' sexual advances.
Many personalities at Fox came to Ailes' defense, including Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, and Greta Van Susteren, and such could have soured Kelly's professional relationship with some of them.
Fox's leading lady also had a separate rift with Hannity at the height of the election campaign, when the former attacked her and called her a supporter of Hillary Clinton.
Kelly's "Kelly File" is one of the most watched shows on Fox News. In November, reached a new high when it earned 754,000 viewers among those aged 25 to 54.
The TV news star has three young children, and according to Variety, her family is her main consideration in her decision-making on whether to stay with Fox News or move to a rival network. Kelly's contract with Fox is set to expire in July 2017.
