Megyn Kelly, a prominent American journalist, television host, and political commentator, has captivated audiences for nearly two decades. Her career has seen highs and lows, yet her ability to remain relevant and adapt to new platforms is a testament to her resilience and skill. In this article, we delve into Megyn Kelly’s net worth and examine how her earnings have changed over time. From her early days in law to her rise on Fox News and her eventual shift to independent media, we explore the financial milestones that have shaped her career.
Biography of Megyn Kelly
Full Name | Megyn Marie Kelly |
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Date of Birth | November 18, 1970 |
Birthplace | Champaign, Illinois, United States |
Occupation | Journalist, Political Commentator, TV Host |
Education | Albany Law School, Syracuse University |
Marital Status | Married (to Douglas Brunt) |
Children | Three |
Years Active | 2003–present |
Net Worth (2024) | Estimated around $45 million |
Early Career and Transition to Media
Before delving into Megyn Kelly’s net worth, it’s essential to understand her background. Kelly initially pursued a career in law. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School in 1995 and worked as an associate attorney for major law firms like Jones Day. However, her passion for storytelling and analysis ultimately led her to switch paths, transitioning into journalism in 2003. Her law background proved beneficial, as she brought a unique perspective to her reporting, particularly on legal and political matters.
Her first major break came with an opportunity at WJLA-TV, an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C., where she covered national and local events. But it wasn’t until she joined Fox News in 2004 that she began to gain widespread recognition.
Rise to Fame at Fox News
Kelly’s tenure at Fox News was transformative, not only for her career but also for her financial status. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the network’s star anchors. Known for her sharp questioning and fearless interviews, she hosted “America Live” and later “The Kelly File”, one of Fox News’s highest-rated programs.
By 2014, Megyn Kelly’s net worth was beginning to grow substantially as she renegotiated her contract, securing a salary of around $6 million per year. Her success at Fox continued until 2017, when she made the bold decision to leave the network amidst controversy and public scrutiny, seeking new challenges and opportunities.
Megyn Kelly’s NBC Era and Financial Growth
After her departure from Fox, Kelly signed a lucrative contract with NBC in early 2017. Reports indicated that her deal was worth between $18 million to $20 million per year, a significant increase from her Fox salary. This contract brought a considerable boost to Megyn Kelly’s net worth in 2017 and made her one of the highest-paid figures in broadcast journalism at the time.
At NBC, she hosted the morning show “Megyn Kelly Today”, which sought to rival other high-profile morning shows. Unfortunately, her time at NBC was short-lived. Following some controversial remarks in 2018, her contract was terminated. Despite the fallout, she walked away with a reported severance package of approximately $30 million, ensuring her financial stability even without a steady network job.
This settlement significantly impacted Megyn Kelly’s net worth for 2019, helping her remain among the wealthiest female journalists despite her absence from mainstream TV.
Independent Media Venture and Podcast Success
In recent years, Megyn Kelly has embraced a new path: independent media. After leaving NBC, she launched “The Megyn Kelly Show”, a podcast and YouTube series where she has complete creative control. This venture has been quite successful, as it allows her to connect with her audience directly and discuss controversial topics freely.
Although the exact earnings from her podcast are unknown, her new business model has proven to be profitable. Sponsorships, ads, and her loyal following have added to her income, making her independent venture a meaningful source of revenue. As of 2024, Megyn Kelly’s net worth continues to grow, largely thanks to this entrepreneurial move.
How Much is Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million, according to various sources, including Forbes. Her wealth accumulation is a result of years of high-paying contracts, wise investments, and successful ventures in independent media.
Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth Over the Years
Let’s take a look at how her net worth has evolved:
- Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2017: $30 million (boosted by NBC contract)
- Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2019: $35 million (increased after NBC settlement)
- Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2022: Approximately $40 million
- Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2023: Around $42 million
- Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2024: Estimated $45 million
This progression showcases her financial resilience and adaptability, as she has managed to thrive despite challenges in her career.
Husband’s Contribution to Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth
Another aspect to consider in understanding Megyn Kelly’s net worth is her marriage to Douglas Brunt. Brunt, a successful novelist and former CEO of a cybersecurity company, has contributed to the family’s financial stability. Though his individual net worth is not as high as Kelly’s, he brings a significant amount to the table, providing additional financial security. Together, their combined net worth is impressive, adding a layer of stability that supports Kelly’s endeavors in independent media.
Real Estate and Investments
Part of Megyn Kelly’s net worth is tied to her real estate investments. In 2018, she and her husband purchased a $3.6 million mansion in Rye, New York, where they currently reside. She has also made other property investments over the years, which add to her overall wealth.
Aside from real estate, Kelly is known to have a diversified investment portfolio, which helps generate passive income. Although she tends to keep her investment details private, it’s evident that her savvy financial management has played a role in her enduring wealth.
How Does Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth Compare to Other Journalists?
In the world of journalism, Megyn Kelly’s net worth ranks quite high. For comparison:
- Anderson Cooper: Estimated net worth of $50 million
- Rachel Maddow: Estimated net worth of $35 million
- Sean Hannity: Estimated net worth of $250 million
While she may not have reached the levels of someone like Sean Hannity, Kelly’s net worth still places her among the wealthiest journalists, especially considering her relatively shorter time in the spotlight compared to these industry veterans.
Future Prospects for Megyn Kelly’s Earnings
Given her successful podcast and YouTube show, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is likely to grow in the coming years. Independent media allows her to command substantial sponsorship fees without the overhead costs associated with traditional broadcasting. Furthermore, her established brand and loyal following give her leverage to expand into other areas, potentially including book deals, speaking engagements, and even new media ventures.
If her podcast continues to thrive and she explores more revenue streams, it’s feasible that Megyn Kelly’s net worth by 2025 could approach $50 million or more.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s net worth reflects her journey from a corporate lawyer to one of the most recognized names in American journalism. Despite controversies and career transitions, she has shown remarkable resilience. As of 2024, Megyn Kelly’s net worth sits at around $45 million, a testament to her ability to adapt, reinvent, and capitalize on new opportunities.
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