Host of “The Kelly File,” one of the cable-news channel’s most popular shows, Megyn Kelly is in active talks over her contract, which expires next July. Her profile has been rising during the presidential election cycle, in part thanks to a dust-up with Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Keeping Ms. Kelly is a priority for senior management, including Rupert Murdoch, chief executive of Fox News and co-executive chairman of its parent company, 21st Century Fox.
Asked if Ms. Kelly would stay at the channel, Mr. Murdoch told The Wall Street Journal that she is important to the network and he hopes to get a contract signed “very soon,” but noted, “it’s up to her.”
Murdoch said he is kept abreast of the talks “every minute of the day.” 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.”
Mr. Murdoch and his family are major stakeholders in both 21st Century Fox and Wall Street Journal owner News Corp.
For the final year of her current deal, 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.
Murdoch said money isn't an issue in the talks. Kelly declined to comment.
The networks seen as most likely to make an aggressive play for Kelly are CNN, where she could go up against Fox News in prime-time, and ABC, where TV executives say she might fit well on “Good Morning America” or in an evening newsmagazine.
Kelly’s show has averaged 2.7 million viewers this year, according to Nielsen, second among Fox News shows to Mr. O’Reilly’s “The O’Reilly Factor,” which is averaging 3.2 million viewers this year.
MS KELLY'S WORK OVER-RATED,LET HER GO TO MSNBC WHERE SHE BELONGS, BUT KEEP O'REILLY AND WATERS.
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