Former Fox News primetime anchor Megyn Kelly has launched MK Media, a new video and audio podcast network targeting creators and journalists in the news and entertainment sectors. 

The network debuts with three initial shows, marking Kelly’s expansion beyond her own successful podcast ventures.

“I’m thrilled to launch MK Media and to use our platform to help sane, reasonable, good-humored people build their own followings in this new media space,” Kelly said in a press release.

Initial Programming Lineup Features Diverse Talent

The network’s inaugural hosts include veteran political journalist Mark Halperin, former Vanity Fair writer Maureen Callahan, and political commentator Link Lauren.

Halperin, previously with ABC News and Bloomberg, hosts “Next Up,” a news-focused program. Callahan leads “The Nerve,” covering entertainment and culture topics. Lauren, who gained prominence on TikTok and worked as a communications adviser for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, presents “Spot On,” another news-oriented show.

Steve Krakauer, executive producer of “The Megyn Kelly Show” (a 15-minute news program launched earlier this year) and “AM Update,” oversees programming for the new network.

Kelly launched her daily podcast in 2020 before transitioning to SiriusXM’s live radio format in 2021. She subsequently added video versions that stream on YouTube, where her channel boasts 3.5 million subscribers and generates hundreds of millions of monthly views through shared clips.

A Broader Trend

MK Media enters the market amid the growing influence of news and politics podcasts, with right-leaning talent finding particular success. 

A study from podcast agency Voxtopica found that 85% of registered U.S. voters expressed confidence in podcast content compared to other media formats, with consumption among them surpassing that of the general public.

A September 2024 survey by Collective Voice revealed that 76% of consumers were open to political discussions from influencers, provided the content was respectful, positive, and educational.

The launch also reflects the increasing importance of video podcasts, with YouTube becoming a key platform in the space with over 1 billion monthly active users.

Kelly joins other prominent hosts, leveraging their reach to incubate new shows, following similar moves by “Call Her Daddy” host Alex Cooper with The Unwell Network and HBO host Bill Maher with his “Club Random” podcast network.