Megyn Kelly's departure from NBC News in late 2018 marked the end of a high-profile chapter for one of cable news’s most recognized anchors. Her exit followed multiple public controversies, including critical remarks about blackface and combative interviews with prominent figures. NBC parted ways with Kelly and agreed to pay an estimated $69 million to settle her contract and related claims. In the years since, she has moved between projects, including stints at SiriusXM and national speaking engagements. This explainer outlines what happened to Megyn Kelly at NBC, the verified facts and timeline, and the implications for her career and the network.
Key details at a glance
Contract and settlement summary
| Attribute | Verified detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Departure date | November 2018 | Public announcements |
| Reported settlement amount | Approximately $69 million | Network and legal disclosures |
| Role at NBC | Anchors and special correspondent | Company announcements |
| Notable controversy triggers | Blackface remarks; combative interviews | Network statements and press coverage |
Megyn Kelly's role and prominence at NBC
Before her exit, Megyn Kelly was a marquee name at NBC News, having joined from Fox News in 2017. She anchored special programming and served as a correspondent across NBC News platforms. Her move to NBC was widely covered and framed as a major coup. Anchoring high-profile interviews and election coverage, she was positioned as a central figure in the network’s lineup. Understanding this context helps explain why her departure drew such attention and what it meant for NBC’s programming strategy.
Transition from Fox News to NBC
In late 2016, NBC News announced that Kelly would join the network in 2017, ending her tenure at Fox News. The reported deal included significant financial terms, with multiyear contracts and prominent on-air roles. Industry observers noted the shift as a notable talent migration between two major cable news outlets. At NBC, she was initially slated for expanded duties, including daytime and special-event programming. The transition generated substantial media speculation about her influence and the competitive landscape of cable news.
Controversies that shaped her NBC tenure
Megyn Kelly’s time at NBC was marked by several public controversies that drew criticism and scrutiny. These moments affected her visibility and contributed to the conditions surrounding her exit. Industry analysts and media critics routinely examined how these incidents reflected on both her brand and the network’s editorial standards. Below are the most frequently cited events and their broader implications.
- Blackface comments: In October 2018, Kelly sparked backlash after discussing the acceptability of blackface in Halloween costumes, leading to widespread criticism and on-air apologies.
- Contentious interviews: Her confrontational style during high-profile interviews drew attention and debate about the tone and purpose of political journalism.
- Leadership tensions: Reports of friction with management over editorial direction and scheduling contributed to ongoing narratives about her stability at the network.
- Social and cultural backlash: Multiple incidents amplified conversations about sensitivity, representation, and media accountability.
NBC’s statement and separation terms
In November 2018, NBC News announced that Megyn Kelly would no longer be with the network. The statement framed the move as a mutual decision consistent with ongoing strategic adjustments. Shortly afterward, reports indicated that NBC agreed to a substantial settlement to resolve her contract obligations and related disputes. The financial details, while not always independently itemized, consistently pointed to a seven-figure arrangement intended to clear any remaining obligations and avoid protracted litigation.
Immediate reactions and network adjustments
Following the announcement, NBC executives underscored the continuation of their newsgathering priorities and programming plans. The network adjusted its lineup to redistribute her segments and reassign projects. Multiple commentators framed the exit as part of a broader recalibration of talent and branding in the news division. Public reactions were mixed, with some viewers expressing disappointment and others highlighting the necessity of course correction. These responses reinforced the high visibility of Kelly’s role and the network’s public-facing responsibilities.
Outcomes and implications for her career
Since leaving NBC, Megyn Kelly has pursued a more limited public profile, focusing on selective media appearances and long-form conversations. Her work has shifted toward podcasting, speaking engagements, and reflective interviews rather than daily news hosting. While she has not returned to a major nightly anchor role, she has maintained a platform through SiriusXM and other distribution channels. Industry observers remain divided on how effectively she has rebuilt her brand after the controversies and severance from a top-tier news organization.
Career trajectory since NBC
- 2019: Engagements focused on memoir promotion and reflective interviews about her time in news.
- 2020–2022: Appearances on podcasts and limited television commentary, with reduced frequency.
- Ongoing: Participation in speaking events and advisory roles, with no return to a nightly news program.
Broader context and lessons for media personalities
Megyn Kelly’s experience at NBC underscores the volatility that can accompany high-profile roles in modern news media. The controversies that precipitated her exit highlighted the tightrope between candor and sensitivity in broadcast journalism. For professionals in similar roles, her tenure illustrates the importance of consistent editorial alignment, cultural awareness, and crisis management. Networks, meanwhile, face ongoing pressure to balance star power with brand integrity and audience expectations. Her story remains a reference point for discussions about talent management and reputational risk in the media industry.
Bottom line
Megyn Kelly’s time at NBC ended in November 2018 after a combination of high-profile controversies and strategic realignment. A substantial settlement of roughly $69 million concluded her contract, and she has since shifted to a reduced public profile. Her experience serves as a case study in the risks and realities facing prominent media figures in a fast-evolving news environment.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did Megyn Kelly leave NBC?
Megyn Kelly left NBC in November 2018 following a combination of public controversies and strategic shifts at the network. A significant factor was fallout over remarks about blackface, alongside reported tensions around her role and interview style. NBC and Kelly agreed to a settlement that ended her contract and related obligations.
How much did NBC pay to settle with Megyn Kelly?
NBC agreed to pay an estimated $69 million to settle Megyn Kelly’s contract and related claims after her departure. The sum was intended to clear remaining obligations and avoid extended legal disputes, though detailed breakdowns were not publicly itemized.
Did Megyn Kelly return to NBC after leaving?
No, Megyn Kelly did not return to NBC after her departure in 2018. She has since appeared in limited media capacities, such as podcasts and select interviews, but has not resumed a role as an anchor or correspondent for the network.
What is Megyn Kelly doing now?
Since leaving NBC, Megyn Kelly has focused on selective appearances, memoir promotion, and speaking engagements. She has worked with SiriusXM and participated in long-form conversations, but has not returned to daily television news hosting.
How did the blackface controversy affect her tenure?
In October 2018, comments Kelly made about the acceptability of blackface in Halloween costumes sparked widespread criticism. The controversy intensified scrutiny of her approach to sensitive topics and contributed to the broader context leading to her exit from NBC.
What lessons can media professionals draw from her experience?
Her tenure highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity, alignment with editorial standards, and proactive reputation management. For networks, it reinforces the need to balance star power with consistent brand messaging and clear internal expectations.