Fox News host Megyn Kelly is in talks to renew her contract with the cable news network. But if that is going to happen, Kelly, who anchors the company’s second-highest-rated show “Kelly File,” wants at least $20 million.
That would be a $5 million jump from her current contract, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday.
Bill O’Reilly, who hosts the 8 o’clock evening commentary news show, currently takes in around the same amount Kelly is seeking. The female host is the only woman in Fox’s primetime line-up. Fox News chief executive Rupert Murdoch said keeping her is a priority. Murdoch said they hope to sign a contract with Kelly “very soon,” before her current one expires in July, but added “it’s up to her.”
Murdoch said money is not an issue in their talks, but Kelly did not comment. As the network’s leading lady, Kelly may be seeking to close the wage gap between herself and the company’s most-viewed male host, O’Reilly.
Kelly, a former lawyer, switched from the United Talent Agency to the larger Creative Artists Agency last year before negotiations commenced, indicating she may be interested in getting in a bigger payout from Fox or trying out other journalist gigs.
CNN could make a big play for Kelly, who is one of Fox’s more moderate hosts compared to Sean Hannity and O’Reilly. And ABC will have Kelly on next month as a guest co-host of “Live with Kelly Ripa,” potentially another option for Kelly.
Murdoch said losing Kelly would be a disappointment, but added, “we have a deep bench of talent, many of whom would give their right arm for her spot.”
