Megyn Kelly of Fox News fame announced back in February that she was pregnant. As a result, she’ll be leaving the news channel for a while, but she’s in for a big promotion upon her return.
Fox News announced on Tuesday that Kelly will be moved to the channel’s primetime lineup after she returns from maternity leave. Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel, praised Kelly in the announcement:
“Megyn is an exceptional talent who has successfully filled and surpassed each role we have given her at the network. Her ability to command the screen, delve into the facts and lead a debate is what makes her one of the most sought-after anchors in the business.”
As for Kelly herself, she’s excited to take on the new role:
“Roger Ailes hired me nine years ago when I was new to this business and he had little other than instinct to suggest it might work out. I was grateful to him then, remain so today, and am excited for this next opportunity.”
The news of Kelly’s move to primetime comes just a few months after a report emerged that she had resigned with Fox News. There was some initial doubt that she would stay with Fox News as other major networks were reportedly vying for the well-liked anchor as well. This week’s announcement cements the fact that she’ll be staying with the Fox News Channel for some time.
Aside from Kelly’s new position, Fox News says that it has signed new long-term deals with Bret Baier, Shepard Smith, Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Greta Van Susteren. The channel also says that it will reveal a new primetime schedule later this year.