Megyn Kelly, host of “The Kelly File” and the face that captivates our television screens weekday nights on Fox News Channel, has been launched into the spotlight more than ever in the last year. On a personal level, Kelly has been the victim of persistent attacks over social media by the likely Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, which began after the first GOP debate last August. But by this point, every news outlet in America has covered the spectacle that has made Kelly “the news,” instead of the woman reporting it.
Despite the unfortunate accusations made by Trump, Kelly has remained a highly popular and respected journalist. She’s created a name for herself as the “take-no-prisoners,” fearless journalist in an industry surrounded by influential males. Her ever-growing career, coupled with her likability among her audiences, has led to a large following of young supporters.
“Megyn Kelly has demonstrated a unique ability to have hard-hitting conversations with people she doesn’t necessarily agree with,” observed National Journalism Center intern Haley Smith. “Her interviews with Bill Ayres, founder of the Weather Underground, and someone many would find deplorable, give a good picture on this trait specifically.”
Ayres is just one example of many interviews in which Kelly has showcased her ability as an influential journalist.
Her success on Fox News has led to interviews with Charlie Rose and a sit-down with Sheryl Sandberg at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit.
Sophie Carson, another young college journalist, has been an avid fan of Kelly since her middle school days. “Her unflinching commitment to tough questions and unbiased news is something I aspire to do with my journalism work,” Carson said. “She doesn’t take advantage of the fact she’s a woman — she’s just a good journalist who happens to be a woman. I am truly inspired by her intelligence, work ethic, and success.”
Carson, like many other young women who have aspired to careers in journalism, has followed Kelly’s growing career since her young teenage years.
Emily Hensler recalled watching Kelly on The O’Reilly Factor as a middle school student, before she became a leading anchor on The Kelly File.
“When I first started to watch Fox News at the age of 13, I loved when Megyn Kelly would talk on The O’Reilly Factor,” Hensler said. “She made current issues so easy to understand and at a level that even I, at the age of 13, was able to comprehend.”
Now, seven years later, Kelly’s launch into the spotlight has caught the attention of young woman on a much larger scale.
But what is not broadcasted on television, is Kelly’s life before fame on Fox News. Dealing with the death of her father at a young age, Kelly has developed a strong backbone that has contributed to her audacious spirit on television. Her ability to make men shake in their boots and her unwavering advocacy for women are never left on the sidelines during her weeknight broadcasts. Overcoming adversity allowed Kelly to relate to many young women who have dealt with loss in their own lives.
Hensler, who has dealt with similar challenges, finds Kelly admirable for both what she has had to overcome, and how she has positively influenced others throughout her career.
“Kelly lost her father at a young age and I too lost mine two months ago in March,” Hensler said. “Her perseverance and success have been encouraging and a constant reminder to not let my grief consume me and to not lose sight of my passions and goals.”
It seems to go without saying that Kelly is making an impact on many young women’s lives, spanning from her career milestones to her ability to cope with personal tragedy and come out even stronger. Kelly is undoubtedly paving the way for women in the millennial generation, proving that self-assurance and the desire to make change can go a long way.
