Megyn Kelly not only reports the news, but she’s been the news for over 24 hours, thanks to her clash with Newt Gingrich on Tuesday night. And for good reason. She wasn’t ruffled by Gingrich’s ridiculous accusations of her being obsessed with sex and nonchalant about policy. She dismissed the former House speaker with a “Take your anger issues and spend some time working on them.” Kelly regularly puts up with nonsense like this and always handles herself with steely grace.
The former corporate defense attorney’s Fox news contract expires next year, and she’s certainly entertaining other offers while any network would love to have her in a prime time slot. The Kelly File regularly slides into 2nd place on Fox News behind The O’Reilly Factor, which is a damn good place to be. And considering how O’Reilly has made retirement noises, Kelly is considered the future of the network. If only, you know, they could keep her?
Kelly’s contract, which results in a $15 million annual salary, may need some massaging for a renewal. The Wall Street Journal says Kelly’s seeking $20 million per year to make staying put worth her while:
Keeping Ms. Kelly is a priority for senior management, including Rupert Murdoch, chief executive of Fox News … Asked if Ms. Kelly would stay at the channel, Mr. Murdoch said in an interview that she is important to the network and he hopes to get a contract signed “very soon,” but noted, “it’s up to her” … While he doesn’t want to lose her, he said, “we have a deep bench of talent, many of whom would give their right arm for her spot.”
For the final year of her current deal, Ms. Kelly is set to receive about $15 million, people familiar with the matter said. The people said she is seeking an average annual salary north of $20 million for her next contract — which would put her on par with Fox host Bill O’Reilly.
“A deep bench of talent” … who could bring in the same numbers as Kelly right now? As mentioned above, O’Reilly may soon retire (though who knows if he could stay away forever). Sean Hannity, who’s going off the rails lately, may end up at the fabled Trump TV. Shep Smith has been around for decades, but he sorta lurks in the background and only grabs attention during special moments. And Kelly’s being courted elsewhere — WSJ speculates on an “aggressive play” is being made by CNN, and perhaps by ABC as well. Fox News may be playing it cool, but they’d be wise to hand over what Kelly’s asking for, or she will go elsewhere.
(Via Wall Street Journal)
