Megyn Kelly’s influence on the media landscape has been as significant as it is controversial. The former Fox News anchor reflects on her career, openly discussing her political stances, personal battles, and the evolving role she plays in journalism today. Last week, on the Times’ The Interview podcast, Kelly revealed the intricacies of her stance on Donald Trump and her journey through the shifting sands of modern media.
Embracing a New Media Landscape
Kelly occupied a leading role in conservative media as a prime-time anchor for Fox News. Her career pivoted after her pointed exchange with Donald Trump during a 2016 debate which became a cultural flashpoint. Her decision to endorse Trump in 2024 might have surprised many, but Kelly argues that it represents her new reality in podcasting—a space where traditional journalistic roles are fluid.
A Journey to Acknowledgment
Reflecting on her journey, she’s quick to voice regret for any perceived bias, admitting to a significant shift, “I crossed a line that I never would when I was still straight news,” she says. Trump’s aggression towards Kelly following their infamous debate exchange is cited as a pivotal moment, triggering introspection and eventual acceptance of her biases.
Both Sides of Ailes
Kelly’s nuanced view on Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, whom she accused of harassment alongside Gretchen Carlson, shows her complex relationship with her past. Initially accused and later softened, her portrayal of Ailes captures the storm of challenges journalists like Kelly faced in conservative landscapes. Her comments reveal an ongoing reconciliation with these incidents: a blend of professional loyalty and advocacy for truth.
Defending Her Choice
Committing publicly to Trump was a declaration of her position. Kelly emphasizes the importance of transparency, stating, “I’m still a journalist. If you haven’t sold your soul, you have to be willing to criticize the people you admire.” This line echoes her commitment to integrity in a space where personal beliefs intertwine with professional values.
Beyond Traditional Broadcasting
Kelly’s transition to podcasting marks a departure from traditional news, and she ardently calls it a field ripe for honest dialogue unshackled by network hierarchies. With her podcast, she positions herself as a torchbearer for unfiltered discourse—the very quality that led to her split with NBC after controversies highlighted her struggle with network constraints.
Looking Forward
Her move to create a podcasting network promises to extend her influence, aligning with her vision for media as “a dinosaur” and fostering an environment where truth-seeking evolves against the pressures of legacy media standards.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Megyn Kelly’s career continues unabated, carving out an unapologetically clear path for journalism, where transparency and openness about one’s biases are not hindrances but assets.
In doing so, Kelly redefines her influence, illustrating a transformative period for media personalities who dare to disentangle their truth from the constraints of traditional media, making bold declarations and renegotiating their legacy in real-time.