Megyn Kelly built one of the most prominent and polarizing careers in modern broadcasting, transitioning from a corporate defense litigator to a primetime cable news anchor and independent podcaster. Her path reflects the shifting boundaries of American media over the last two decades.
Before commanding millions of viewers on television and digital platforms, Kelly spent nearly a decade practicing corporate law. That analytical foundation shaped her sharp, combative interview style, which became her trademark across major networks like Fox News and NBC, and later through her independent venture, The Megyn Kelly Show.
Early Life and Legal Career
Born in Champaign, Illinois, Kelly earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Syracuse University and her J.D. from Albany Law School in 1995. She entered the legal profession in Chicago as a corporate litigator with Bickel & Brewer, later moving to Jones Day.
While practicing law, she pursued a passion for journalism. In 2003, she relocated to Washington, D.C., working as a stringer for the local ABC affiliate WJLA-TV. This dual existence—handling complex corporate cases by day and reporting on political and legal proceedings by night—paved the way for her permanent pivot into television. Further analysis by Bloomberg highlights related views on this issue.
The Fox News Rise
Kelly joined the Fox News Channel in 2004, initially working as a legal correspondent and reporter. Her capacity to break down complex legal arguments caught executive attention. By 2007, she was co-anchoring America's Newsroom alongside Bill Hemmer.
Her career accelerated in late 2013 when she launched her own primetime program, The Kelly File. The show quickly became a ratings powerhouse, frequently rivaling established network giants. During this era, Kelly covered pivotal national elections and conducted high-profile interviews that cemented her status as a major media force. Her profile expanded further when Time named her to its list of the 100 most influential people in 2014.
Her tenure at Fox News also coincided with intense industry scrutiny. In 2016, she published her memoir, Settle for More, detailing allegations of sexual harassment against then-CEO Roger Ailes, which contributed to his resignation.
The NBC Transition and Independent Shift
In January 2017, Kelly left Fox News to join NBC News, aiming to expand into broader daytime and investigative formats. She launched Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly and later hosted the third hour of the morning program Today, titled Megyn Kelly TODAY.
Her time at NBC faced ratings challenges and public controversy. Following backlash over remarks regarding blackface and Halloween costumes, NBC canceled her morning program, and she officially parted ways with the network in early 2019.
Seeking complete editorial control, Kelly launched her own production company, Devil May Care Media, in 2020. The Megyn Kelly Show debuted as a podcast and later expanded to SiriusXM, allowing her to reach audiences directly without traditional network constraints. According to profiles by The New York Times and industry reports, independent digital distribution enabled her to maintain a massive multi-platform footprint, generating tens of millions of views and downloads monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Megyn Kelly do before journalism?
Before entering television news, Kelly practiced law for nine years. She worked as a corporate litigator for major firms including Bickel & Brewer and Jones Day in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
When did Megyn Kelly leave Fox News?
Kelly left Fox News in January 2017 after more than a decade with the network, subsequently joining NBC News before launching her independent media company.
What is the name of Megyn Kelly's current media platform?
She founded Devil May Care Media, through which she produces The Megyn Kelly Show podcast and radio broadcast on SiriusXM.
Has Megyn Kelly written any books?
Yes, she published her autobiography, Settle for More, in 2016, detailing her legal background, her rise in television journalism, and her experiences within the media industry.
