Unpacking Megyn Kelly's NBC Exit: Why Did It Happen?

**The world of broadcast journalism is a high-stakes arena, where careers can soar to meteoric heights or plummet with shocking speed. Few figures exemplify this volatile landscape quite like Megyn Kelly, a journalist whose journey from a prominent role at Fox News to a highly publicized, and ultimately brief, tenure at NBC captivated public attention. The question, "why did Megyn Kelly get fired," isn't a simple one with a single answer; it’s a complex tapestry woven from shifting media landscapes, cultural sensitivities, and the inherent pressures of live television.** Her departure from NBC in 2018 marked the end of a multi-million dollar contract and a highly anticipated morning show, leaving many to ponder the precise reasons behind such a dramatic downfall. Understanding *why* her NBC chapter closed so abruptly requires a deep dive into the events leading up to her exit, the cultural climate of the time, and the specific incident that served as the undeniable catalyst. This article aims to dissect these factors, providing a comprehensive look at the career trajectory, the controversies, and the ultimate decisions that led to Megyn Kelly's departure from the network, offering insights into the broader implications for media personalities and the networks that employ them. ***

Table of Contents

• Megyn Kelly: A Brief Biography
• Personal Data and Key Milestones
• The Fox News Era: A Foundation of Controversy
• The Leap to NBC: High Hopes and High Stakes
• "Megyn Kelly Today": The Unraveling Begins
• The Blackface Controversy: The Tipping Point
  • Understanding the Fallout
  • The Nature of Public Apologies and Repercussions
• The Negotiation and Departure: The Bitter End
• Why the Departure Was Inevitable: A Confluence of Factors
  • Cultural Fit and Audience Expectations
  • Ratings Struggles and Network Pressure
• Megyn Kelly's Post-NBC Chapter
• Lessons from a High-Profile Exit

***

Megyn Kelly: A Brief Biography

Megyn Marie Kelly was born in Syracuse, New York, and raised in Delmar, New York. Her professional journey began not in journalism, but in law. After earning her J.D. from Albany Law School, she worked as a corporate litigator for nine years at Jones Day and later at Bickel & Brewer LLP. This background in legal analysis and argumentation would prove invaluable in her transition to television, equipping her with a sharp intellect and a penchant for rigorous questioning. Her pivot to media began in 2003 when she joined WJLA-TV, an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C., as a general assignment reporter. It was here that her on-screen presence and interviewing style caught the attention of Fox News Channel, which she joined in 2004. Over the next 13 years, Kelly steadily climbed the ranks at Fox, hosting various shows including "America's Newsroom" and "America Live." Her tenure culminated with "The Kelly File," a prime-time program that quickly became one of the highest-rated shows on cable news. She was known for her assertive interviewing style, often challenging guests from across the political spectrum, and for her ability to command attention, even amidst the highly opinionated landscape of Fox News.

Personal Data and Key Milestones

Full Name	Megyn Marie Kelly
Born	November 18, 1970 (age 53 as of 2024)
Birthplace	Syracuse, New York, U.S.
Education	Syracuse University (B.A.), Albany Law School (J.D.)
Spouse(s)	Daniel Kendall (m. 2001; div. 2006) Douglas Brunt (m. 2008)
Children	3
Occupation	Journalist, Attorney, Author, Political Commentator
Notable Roles	Fox News Channel (2004–2017) NBC News (2017–2018)
Key Milestones	2004: Joined Fox News Channel 2010: Launched "America Live" 2013: Launched "The Kelly File" 2016: Moderated first Republican presidential debate 2017: Joined NBC News 2017: Launched "Megyn Kelly Today" 2018: Departed NBC News

The Fox News Era: A Foundation of Controversy

Megyn Kelly's time at Fox News was defined by both her rise to prominence and her entanglement in various controversies. She gained significant recognition for her sharp questioning during political debates, particularly her exchange with Donald Trump during the 2015 Republican presidential debate. This incident, where she challenged Trump on his past comments about women, catapulted her into the national spotlight as a figure willing to push back against powerful personalities. However, her tenure was also marked by internal strife and public criticism. She was a central figure in the sexual harassment scandal involving then-Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, detailing her own experiences in her memoir, "Settle for More." This period solidified her image as an independent voice, but also highlighted the tumultuous environment she operated within. The question, "why did Megyn Kelly get fired," often begins with an understanding of her established persona from this period – a blend of legal precision, journalistic assertiveness, and a willingness to engage in contentious issues. This background was critical because it shaped public perception and set expectations for her next career move.

The Leap to NBC: High Hopes and High Stakes

In January 2017, after months of speculation, Megyn Kelly announced her departure from Fox News to join NBC News in a multi-year deal reportedly worth between $15 million and $20 million per year. This move was widely seen as a major coup for NBC, which hoped to leverage Kelly's star power and cross-over appeal to boost its struggling morning show ratings and establish a new prime-time news magazine. The network envisioned her as a versatile talent who could anchor a Sunday night news program and host a daily morning talk show. The transition, however, was fraught with challenges. Kelly was moving from the highly partisan and opinion-driven world of cable news to the more general-interest, softer format of network morning television. This required a significant shift in tone and approach. People seemed to ask most often about words that start with the letters h and u because sometimes these words start with vowel sounds, but the real question for Kelly was *how* to adapt her established persona to a new audience. The expectations were immense, and the pressure to deliver was palpable. NBC had invested heavily, and the success or failure of "Megyn Kelly Today" would have significant implications for both her career and the network's strategy.

"Megyn Kelly Today": The Unraveling Begins

"Megyn Kelly Today" debuted in September 2017, replacing the third hour of the "Today" show. From the outset, the show struggled to find its footing. Critics and viewers alike noted an awkward transition for Kelly, who seemed to be trying to shed her hard-hitting image for a lighter, more conversational style that didn't always feel authentic. Early interviews were often criticized for being uncomfortable or lacking the depth expected of a journalist of her caliber. There were several missteps early on, including an interview with Jane Fonda where Kelly questioned the actress about her plastic surgery, a topic Fonda clearly found inappropriate. This incident, among others, highlighted a disconnect between Kelly's established brand and the tone required for morning television. The ratings were consistently disappointing, failing to attract the large audience NBC had hoped for and often performing worse than the "Today" hour it replaced. This created an environment of constant scrutiny, where every move was analyzed, and the question of "why" the show wasn't resonating became a recurring theme in media reports. The show never truly gained traction, leaving it vulnerable to any significant misstep.

The Blackface Controversy: The Tipping Point

The definitive answer to "why did Megyn Kelly get fired" lies squarely with an incident that occurred on October 23, 2018. During a segment on "Megyn Kelly Today" discussing Halloween costumes, Kelly made comments defending blackface. She asked, "What is racist about blackface for Halloween?" and went on to suggest that it was acceptable when she was a child, particularly in the context of dressing up as a character. Specifically, she stated, "But what is the big deal? I don't know. I mean, I, too, grew up in a time when, you know, political correctness was yet to be invented. And we were told, you know, by our parents, 'Just be careful.' And, you know, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, 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