Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly
Name	Megyn Kelly
Caption	Kelly in 2014
Birth name	Megyn Marie Kelly
Birth date	18 November 1970
Birth place	Champaign, Illinois, U.S.
Education	Syracuse University (BA), Albany Law School (JD)
Occupation	Television presenter, journalist, podcaster
Years active	1995–present
Spouse	Daniel Kendall (m. 2001; div. 2006), Douglas Brunt (m. 2008)

Megyn Kelly is an American television presenter and journalist known for her prominent roles at major news networks. She gained national recognition as a prime-time anchor on Fox News, where she hosted the program The Kelly File. Her career later included a stint at NBC News and a transition to independent podcasting, often marked by commentary on media and culture.

Early life and education

Born in Champaign, Illinois, she was raised in the Capital District of New York. She attended Bethlehem Central High School before enrolling at Syracuse University, where she graduated with a degree in political science. Kelly subsequently earned her Juris Doctor from Albany Law School, where she served as an editor for the Albany Law Review. During her legal studies, she also worked as a litigation attorney for the firm Bond, Schoeneck & King in Albany, New York.

Career in law and journalism

After practicing law for nearly a decade, Kelly shifted careers, joining the local ABC affiliate WNYT in Albany, New York as a general assignment reporter. Her work there led to a position at the Washington, D.C. bureau of ABC News, where she contributed to programs like World News Tonight and Good Morning America. In 2004, she was recruited by Fox News Channel, initially serving as a correspondent based in Washington, D.C.. She provided coverage for major events including the 2004 Republican National Convention and the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

The Kelly File and Fox News tenure

Kelly rose to prominence as a co-host of the daytime program America's Newsroom alongside Bill Hemmer. In 2013, she launched her own prime-time news show, The Kelly File, which quickly became one of the highest-rated programs on cable news. Her tenure was notable for her political interviews and moderating roles, such as at a 2015 Republican presidential debate where she questioned candidate Donald Trump. This period included high-profile conflicts with figures like Roger Ailes and Bill O'Reilly, amidst the broader Fox News controversies.

Move to NBC and subsequent departure

In 2017, Kelly left Fox News to join NBC News under a lucrative contract. At NBC, she launched the Sunday newsmagazine program Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly and later a morning talk show, Megyn Kelly Today. Her time at the network was short-lived, ending in 2018 following controversy over remarks she made regarding blackface during a segment on Halloween costumes. The incident prompted widespread criticism from colleagues like Craig Melvin and led NBC News to terminate her contract.

Post-NBC career and podcasting

Following her departure from NBC, Kelly launched an independent podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, initially distributed by SiriusXM. The podcast features long-form interviews with newsmakers, authors, and political figures, including guests like Glenn Greenwald, Bari Weiss, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. She has used the platform to critique mainstream media outlets like CNN and The New York Times, while also commenting on issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and free speech controversies.

Personal life and public image

Kelly is married to author Douglas Brunt; the couple has three children and resides in New York City. She has authored a memoir, Settle for More, which details her career and personal philosophy. Her public image is often associated with a combative interview style and her evolution from a mainstream news anchor to an independent media figure. She has been a vocal participant in debates surrounding #MeToo, cancel culture, and political polarization in the United States.

Category:American television journalists Category:American podcasters Category:1970 births Category:Living people