Introduction
Podcasting has transformed from a niche hobby into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with influential voices reaching millions of listeners every day. One prominent figure in this space is Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News anchor who has successfully transitioned into independent media. Her show, The Megyn Kelly Show, has become a standout in the conservative media landscape. Naturally, many are curious: How much does Megyn Kelly make on her podcast?
This article explores her podcast earnings, revenue sources, and business strategies, providing insight into how influential media personalities are monetizing content outside traditional television networks.
Megyn Kelly’s Transition to Independent Media
After leaving Fox News and a brief tenure at NBC News, Megyn Kelly decided to build her own media brand. In 2020, she launched The Megyn Kelly Show, a podcast covering politics, culture, and current events. The decision to go independent gave her full control over content, scheduling, and—most importantly—monetization.
Her media brand has since expanded to include YouTube, podcast platforms, and a broadcast deal with SiriusXM, making it one of the most financially successful moves for a legacy TV journalist in recent years.
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How Megyn Kelly Makes Money from Her Podcast
To understand how much she earns, it’s essential to explore the multiple revenue streams tied to The Megyn Kelly Show:
YouTube Monetization
With over 3.6 million subscribers and billions of views, Megyn Kelly’s YouTube channel is a massive revenue driver. Ad revenue is calculated based on views, watch time, and CPM (cost per thousand impressions). Conservative estimates suggest:
- Monthly YouTube earnings: $64,000 to $100,000
- Annual range: $767,000 to $1.2 million
These earnings come primarily from mid-roll ads, display ads, and sponsorships.
SiriusXM Partnership
In 2023, Kelly signed a multi-year deal with SiriusXM. This syndication allows her show to air live on the Triumph channel while also being distributed across podcast platforms.
- Though exact figures are undisclosed, similar deals with top-tier hosts often range from $10 million to $20 million annually, depending on audience size and exclusivity.
Podcast Advertisements
Every episode of The Megyn Kelly Show is monetized through pre-roll and mid-roll ads. Advertisers are willing to pay a premium to reach her politically engaged, high-income audience.
- Estimated rate: $25–$50 per 1,000 downloads (CPM)
- With millions of monthly downloads, her podcast ad revenue alone could surpass $5 million annually.
Speaking Engagements & Cross-Promotion
Her podcast platform also increases her visibility for paid speaking engagements, book deals, and collaborations with brands—indirect revenue that’s bolstered by the podcast’s success.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: Estimating Her Annual Podcast Income
Here’s a simplified guide to understanding how Megyn Kelly’s podcast earnings add up:
Step 1: Calculate YouTube Ad Revenue
- Average CPM: $4–$7
- Monthly views: Approx. 15–20 million
- Monthly estimate: ~$70,000
- Annual YouTube income: ~$840,000+
Step 2: Factor in SiriusXM Contract
- Estimated base salary: $10M–$15M annually
Step 3: Add Podcast Ad Revenue
- Estimated downloads: 2–3 million/month
- CPM: $30 (average)
- Monthly income: $60,000–$90,000
- Annual podcast ad income: ~$1M+
Step 4: Add External Income Sources
- Sponsorships, merchandise, affiliate promotions, and public appearances: $500K–$1M/year
Estimated Total Annual Earnings:
$36 million to $45 million (from all podcast-related sources)
Why Her Podcast Strategy Works
Megyn Kelly’s podcasting success can be attributed to several smart decisions:
- Audience loyalty: She brought her fan base from cable news to digital platforms.
- Content control: She discusses uncensored topics that mainstream outlets may avoid.
- Multi-platform distribution: Reaching audiences via audio, video, and live radio.
- High engagement: Her audience is highly active, increasing ad value and platform visibility.
This strategy shows how media personalities can thrive in an independent ecosystem when they leverage influence, content freedom, and digital tools.
Conclusion
To answer the central question—how much does Megyn Kelly make on her podcast?—the numbers are staggering. With income from YouTube, podcast advertising, SiriusXM contracts, and brand partnerships, her podcast empire generates tens of millions of dollars annually.
Her success serves as a blueprint for journalists and content creators looking to break away from traditional networks and build direct relationships with their audiences. It also reflects the broader shift toward creator-led media, where authenticity and control can be more profitable than institutional backing.
As independent podcasting continues to grow, Megyn Kelly’s financial success proves that with the right strategy and loyal audience, creators can thrive—and earn—in ways that were once unimaginable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does Megyn Kelly earn from her podcast annually?
Megyn Kelly is estimated to earn between $36 million and $45 million per year from her podcast-related ventures. This includes revenue from YouTube monetization, podcast advertisements, her SiriusXM deal, and additional brand partnerships or speaking engagements.
2. What platforms distribute Megyn Kelly’s podcast?
The Megyn Kelly Show is available on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Additionally, she streams video content via YouTube and hosts a live version on SiriusXM’s Triumph channel.
3. Does Megyn Kelly still work for a traditional media outlet?
No. Megyn Kelly is currently an independent media entrepreneur. After departing from NBC and Fox News, she launched her own production company and podcast, giving her full control over her brand and earnings.
4. How does Megyn Kelly monetize her YouTube channel?
Megyn Kelly monetizes her YouTube channel through ad revenue (pre-roll, mid-roll, and display ads), sponsorships, and affiliate promotions. With over 3.6 million subscribers and high view counts, YouTube contributes significantly to her income.
5. Is Megyn Kelly’s podcast considered successful in terms of reach and impact?
Yes. Her podcast ranks among the top conservative political shows in the U.S. and has experienced rapid audience growth. It consistently features prominent guests, drives high engagement, and ranks highly on both audio and video platforms.
