#129 Megyn Kelly - The End of Mainstream Media
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly shares her perspective on the mainstream media landscape and social issues like transgender ideology and immigration. Kelly offers a candid look into the sexual harassment she faced from her former boss Roger Ailes and her role in the subsequent #MeToo movement at Fox News.
She critiques mainstream outlets' partisan bias in covering topics like Trump, the pandemic, and LGBTQ issues. Kelly also touches on her ongoing faith journey as a Catholic while exploring spirituality and near-death experiences. The conversation invites listeners to grapple with complex social issues and media dynamics through Kelly's firsthand accounts and reflections.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 9, 2024 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Megyn Kelly's Background
Born in Illinois, Megyn Kelly grew up moving around New York state with her family and tight-knit siblings. While initially interested in journalism, she pursued law instead—racking up $100,000 in debt before experiencing burnout and pivoting back into journalism at age 34 after over 9 years of practicing law. She quickly gained visibility at Fox News, mentored by Bill O'Reilly, and eventually gained prime-time anchor roles and moderated presidential debates.
Harassment Experiences at Fox News
Kelly describes Fox News as "patient zero" of the #MeToo movement, recounting frequent inappropriate behavior and unwanted advances from her boss Roger Ailes. She details an attempted kiss from Ailes that she narrowly avoided. Though reporting it provided little recourse, Kelly eventually decided to testify during an internal investigation into Ailes' misconduct after learning a friend experienced similar harassment. Though torn, Kelly felt compelled to speak out to protect other women, despite fearing damage to her career.
Media Landscape Critiques
Kelly is critical of mainstream media's loss of objectivity and spontaneity. She accuses mainstream outlets of lying about Republicans, harboring deep partisan bias, and operating with agendas—particularly in their coverage of issues like Trump, the COVID pandemic, LGBTQ ideology, and immigration. She predicts these issues will worsen if Trump wins reelection. Kelly sees a decline in major outlets and credits the rise of alternative media as a response to mainstream bias.
Perspectives on Social Issues
Kelly is concerned about the normalization of transgender ideology involving children and the erosion of women's sports. She believes the left's capture of moderate voices will eventually be overcome. She argues for more honest dialogues on race, policing, and immigration—critiquing the push for open borders and amnesty. She encourages open discussion without mandated language.
Exploring Faith and Spirituality
Though a lifelong Catholic, Kelly admits struggling with certain Church rules and doctrines like confession requirements or annulment processes. She finds solace in spiritual practices like attending Mass—especially grieving her father's death. Kelly remains open to signs of a higher power and exploring her faith further, like looking into near-death experiences, though Catholicism still feels most resonant. She sees her beliefs as a flexible, ongoing journey.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Megyn Kelly transitioned from practicing law to journalism at age 34 due to burnout and a rekindled passion for journalism, which she initially pursued before law school. This career shift marked a significant change in her professional trajectory, leading to her rapid rise in visibility and success in the field of journalism, particularly at Fox News. Kelly's pivot back to journalism was influenced by her desire to pursue her original passion and make a greater impact through media.
- Megyn Kelly's reference to Fox News as "patient zero" of the #MeToo movement highlights the significant role the network played in exposing workplace harassment. This comparison suggests that the revelations of misconduct at Fox News, particularly involving Roger Ailes, were among the earliest and most prominent instances that sparked broader conversations about harassment in the workplace. The term "patient zero" is often used metaphorically to indicate the first known case of a particular issue or phenomenon, emphasizing Fox News' pivotal position in bringing attention to workplace harassment and setting the stage for the #MeToo movement to gain momentum.
- Megyn Kelly criticizes mainstream media for what she perceives as biased reporting on topics like Republicans, Trump, the COVID pandemic, LGBTQ ideology, and immigration. She believes that mainstream outlets lack objectivity, spread misinformation, and operate with specific agendas, particularly against conservative viewpoints. Kelly predicts that if Trump is reelected, these biases will intensify. She credits the rise of alternative media as a response to what she sees as mainstream media's lack of impartiality.
- Megyn Kelly has expressed concerns about the normalization of transgender ideology involving children, questioning the impact on young individuals. She also worries about the potential implications for women's sports due to the inclusion of transgender athletes, raising issues related to fairness and competition. Kelly's viewpoints on these topics reflect broader societal debates around gender identity, inclusion, and the balancing of rights and interests in sports.
- Megyn Kelly has expressed struggles with certain Catholic Church rules and doctrines, such as requirements for confession and the annulment process. These challenges may stem from personal beliefs conflicting with specific teachings or practices within the Church. Despite these struggles, Kelly finds comfort in spiritual practices like attending Mass and remains open to exploring her faith further. Her journey with Catholicism reflects a nuanced relationship with her beliefs and the institutional aspects of the Church.
Counterarguments
- Megyn Kelly's critique of mainstream media could be seen as overly broad and not accounting for the diversity of perspectives within large media organizations.
- The rise of alternative media is not solely due to mainstream bias; factors such as technological advancements and changes in consumer behavior also play significant roles.
- The assertion that Fox News was "patient zero" of the #MeToo movement could be challenged by pointing out that sexual harassment has been an issue in many industries and organizations, not just Fox News.
- The idea that mainstream media lies about Republicans and specific issues may be contested by arguing that journalistic standards ensure a range of viewpoints and fact-checking, despite occasional errors or biases.
- The concern over the normalization of transgender ideology involving children and the erosion of women's sports could be met with arguments emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the rights of transgender individuals.
- The call for more honest dialogues on race, policing, and immigration could be countered by the perspective that these dialogues are already happening in various forms and that the issue lies in how different groups interpret and engage with these discussions.
- The stance against open borders and amnesty might be opposed by highlighting the potential benefits of more open immigration policies and the complexities of the immigration system that make blanket policies difficult to apply.
- The struggle with Catholic Church rules and doctrines could be seen as a personal interpretation of faith, and others might argue for the value of adherence to traditional practices and beliefs within religious institutions.
Get access to the context and additional materials
Megyn Kelly's personal and professional background
Megyn Kelly’s story weaves a timeline of a professional journey from the initial allure of journalism, a significant detour through law, back into the demanding world of news media, including her recent roles beyond traditional television.
Megyn Kelly's upbringing and early life
Born in Illinois while her father pursued his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, Megyn Kelly moved with her family to Syracuse, New York, before she turned one. Raised in a tight-knit family with one sister and one brother, Megyn enjoyed what she refers to as a heavenly childhood in an area blanketed with snow where summers were short and winters were long. Despite the challenging climate, she found joy in simple pleasures like playing in the sprinkler and swimming in the Hudson River.
Her father taught at Syracuse University, and the family later moved to Albany. Megyn was close to her sister, seven years her senior, who cared for her with humor reflecting the women in her family. Initially, she was more distant from her brother, who felt annoyed by his younger sibling, but by the time she was 16, they had become much closer. Her mother worked as a nurse at the Albany Veterans Hospital.
Megyn Kelly's career path
After a high school aptitude test pointed towards journalism, Kelly aimed to become a journalist, attending Syracuse University. Her interest shifted to law as she explored political science and contemplated becoming a District Attorney. She achieved good grades and went on to Albany Law School, accruing $100,000 in debt.
Post-law school, Kelly worked at the prominent law firm Jones Day and was on track to make partner. However, she experienced burnout and, during a moment of clarity, realized that despite the lucrative offer, the law was not her calling. At 34, after practicing law for over nine years, she sought a career change, leaning on her legal expertise to pivot back into journalism.
She got her start at a local ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C., where Bill Lord gave her an opportunity to work on the air once a week on tape. After one year and nine months part-time, she transitioned to a full-time journalism role that allowed her to leave her law career. Her work did not go unnoticed; her production was sometimes broadcast on the sister cable station News Channel 8.
Megyn Kelly’s break came with Fox News. Mentored by Bill O'Reilly, she quickly gained visibility and credibility, eventually securing a prime-time anchor role, and hosted shows like "America's Newsroom," "America Live," and "The Kelly File." She moderated several presidential debates, including the first Republica ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Megyn Kelly's personal and professional background
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Reflect on your career path by journaling about your professional journey and any moments of burnout or significant transitions, similar to how Megyn Kelly shifted from law to journalism. This can help you assess your current satisfaction and identify potential areas for change. For example, if you've been in the same role for many years and feel unfulfilled, consider what other industries or positions align with your interests and skills.
- Create a "Simple Pleasures" list to rediscover joy in everyday activities, inspired by Kelly's childhood enjoyment of playing in the sprinkler. Write down small, easily accessible activities that make you happy, such as reading a book, taking a walk, or cooking a favorite meal. Aim to incorporate at least one of these into your daily routine to enhance your overall well-being.
- Develop a family-work balance plan by outlining your ideal ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Megyn Kelly's experiences with sexual harassment and the Me Too movement
Megyn Kelly's personal experiences with sexual harassment at Fox News
Megyn Kelly opens up about the frequent and common occurrences of sexual harassment at Fox News, remarking that it was "patient zero in the Me Too movement," transpiring a year before the Harvey Weinstein case. She shares her experiences of inappropriate behavior from her boss at Fox, Roger Ailes, including multiple unwanted advances.
Kelly recounts how Roger Ailes called her to New York for unusual face-to-face meetings, which eventually resulted in a disturbing attempt by Ailes to kiss her, an incident she escaped by feigning a stumble. Following this assault, she prepared by contacting a lawyer and creating a situation to prevent Ailes from hiring her representation, should she need it. Despite reporting the episode to a supervisor, she received little sympathy, with assurances that Ailes was a "good man" in an unhappy marriage, and advice to stay away and ignore him.
While Ailes ceased his pursuit and did not retaliate, promoting Kelly to anchor in a couple of years without further incidents, she describes these experiences as potentially harmful. Despite later rejections of advances, Kelly describes a complex relationship with Ailes, who took a genuine interest in her career, offering valuable advice despite unwelcome comments and actions.
Megyn Kelly's role in the Fox News sexual harassment scandal
Megyn Kelly played a pivotal role in the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News. Her testimony during internal investigations contributed to exposing Ailes' misconduct. Initially, she was hesitant to come forward, fearing public humiliation and not wanting to betray Ailes, who had mentored her.
Kelly only decided to cooperate with investigators upon learning that her friend, Janice Dean, also had an inappropriate encounter with Ailes. The eventual investigation forced Kelly to weigh her past positive relationship with Ailes against the need to protect other women.
Kelly details ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Megyn Kelly's experiences with sexual harassment and the Me Too movement
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a personal action plan for handling workplace harassment by identifying steps to take if you encounter or witness such behavior, including who to report to and how to document incidents.
- This strategy involves proactively preparing for potential issues by researching your company's policies on harassment, identifying trusted colleagues or HR personnel, and keeping a private log of dates, times, and details of any incidents. For example, you might write down the steps on a card to keep in your wallet or save them in a secure note on your phone.
- Develop a support network by connecting with colleagues who share your commitment to a respectful workplace.
- You can start by having informal conversations about work culture and values with peers. If you find common ground, suggest regular meet-ups or a private online group where you can discuss workplace issues confidentially. This network can serve as a sounding board and provide collective support if any member faces harassment.
- Ref ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Megyn Kelly's views on the media landscape and current events
Megyn Kelly speaks out against what she perceives as the failings in the mainstream media and its handling of current events, advocating for integrity and scrutiny in journalism, as well as caution in the approach to social issues.
The decline of mainstream media
Megyn Kelly addresses the problems of scripted content within media networks like NBC and The View and asserts that mainstream media has lost its way, particularly when it comes to the coverage of Republicans and conservative figures. She laments that much of on-air content is pre-arranged, going against what she values as spontaneity and authentic journalistic practices.
Megyn Kelly believes the mainstream media has become increasingly biased and agenda-driven, especially in their coverage of Republicans and conservative figures
Megyn Kelly accuses mainstream media of lying about Republicans and MAGA Republicans, claiming that corporate media, which she no longer considers "mainstream," is experiencing its end times. She compares the current state to historical periods of extreme partisanship, arguing that understanding bias is key to finding the truth.
Megyn Kelly's perspective on key political and social issues
Megyn Kelly discusses her disappointment with the authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the negative psychological effects of reporting as a cause for distrust. She also highlights what she refers to as the "lies" beginning in 2015 with the rise of "Trump derangement syndrome," suggesting that the resulting bias has tarnished media credibility.
Megyn Kelly is skeptical of journalists expressing support for political figures like Joe Biden and argues that the lack of objective scrutiny given to Biden compared to Donald Trump reflects a deep bias within the media industry. She points to instances where media outlets have outrightly shown their bias and departs from fact-based journalism.
Additionally, Kelly condemns the media's treatment of figures like J.D. Vance, illustrating how the media selectively uses comments to push certain narratives. She predicts that if Trump wins another term, mainstream media will yet again employ extremely negative coverage, contrasting the current milder scrutiny of Biden.
Furthermore, Megyn Kelly cites the struggles of CNN and the dismissal of Norah O'Donnell from CBS as indications of the mainstream media's decline, while questioning the future of major news companies and their capacity to survive the changing landscape.
Kelly credits the formation of alternative media, like her own show, as a response to the bias in mainstream outlets. These platforms emerged to serve audiences seeking objective facts, particularly right-leaning viewers.
Megyn Kelly is concerned about the normalization of LGBTQ ideology, especially when it comes to children, and the erosion of women's sports
Megyn Kelly shares her views on controversial topics such as transgender issues in children and sports, immigration, and the importance of policing. She expresses discontent with mandates to endorse movements like Black Lives Matter and criticizes COVID-related restrictions.
She delves into transgender issues, making stark comparisons to historical medical missteps, such as lobotomies, to the present treatment of transgender chil ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Megyn Kelly's views on the media landscape and current events
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The mainstream media often defends its practices as striving for balanced reporting and asserts that any perceived biases are either a reflection of the complex nature of truth and reporting or are counterbalanced by other media outlets with different biases.
- Some argue that integrity and scrutiny in journalism are still present and that the media landscape is diverse, with numerous outlets providing a range of perspectives.
- There is a perspective that media coverage of political figures, including Joe Biden, is subjected to significant scrutiny and that any differences in coverage intensity are due to the varying natures of the administrations or the actions of the individuals involved rather than inherent bias.
- Critics of Kelly's views on the treatment of figures like J.D. Vance might argue that media scrutiny is a normal part of political reporting and that all public figures are subject to critical examination.
- The future of major news companies is debated, with some suggesting that traditional media is adapting to the digital age and finding new ways to engage with audiences.
- Regarding LGBTQ issues, many advocate for inclusive discussions and policies, emphasizing the importance of representation and support for marginalized communities, including transgender individuals in sports.
- The criticism of public figures like Megan Rapinoe can be met with arguments highlighting the importance of advocacy for underrepresented groups and the role of athletes in social jus ...
Actionables
- You can foster media literacy by starting a personal journal where you track biases you observe in news coverage. Each day, choose a different news outlet and write down instances where you feel the coverage is biased, especially noting language that seems to favor one political perspective over another. This practice will sharpen your ability to discern bias and encourage critical thinking.
- Develop a habit of engaging in conversations with people who hold different views by joining or creating a book club focused on political and social issues. Select books that challenge your perspectives and discuss them with the group. This will help you understand diverse viewpoints and encourage open dialogue on sensitive topics like race, policing, and immigration.
- Encourage integrity in sports by volunteering to suppo ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Megyn Kelly's spiritual and religious beliefs and journey
Megyn Kelly reflects on her Catholic upbringing, her struggle with Church doctrines, and her openness to other beliefs. She discusses moments of spiritual connection, questioning church rules, and the exploration of her faith.
Megyn Kelly's Catholic faith
Megyn Kelly was raised Catholic and still identifies as such, but struggles with certain doctrines and rules of the Church
Raised Catholic, Megyn Kelly still identifies with the faith but admits she finds challenges with certain Church doctrines. She recounts needing a priest for her sister’s last rites due to her Catholic upbringing, despite struggling with the idea of needing a religious figure to affirm her standing with God after a legal divorce and remarriage. Kelly discusses the Catholic practices from her background, such as Sunday Mass and CCD, yet she sometimes questions the Church's stringent rules. She feels an internal conflict about the requirements for communion and confession and describes the difficulty of getting an annulment as "ridiculous."
Despite not being devout or observant of all the Church's rules, Kelly has a strong ethical compass influenced by the Church, her parents, and her Girl Scout troop. Though she's missed a few Sunday Masses, she suggests that her connection to Catholic practices persists. Her uncertainty about how to interact with her faith indicates she is still exploring her spiritual journey, questioning what is genuinely required of her religiously.
Megyn Kelly's exploration of other faiths
Megyn Kelly has experimented with attending other Christian denominations but has not found a spiritual home outside of Catholicism
Megyn Kelly remains open to further exploring her religious beliefs and her relationship with God
Kelly advises leaning into faith even when one doesn’t feel faithful, finding comfort in sitting in a church, especially in times of grief—like after her father’s death. She suggests places like churches can offer solace and allows time for children to process their loss. Kelly speaks of experiencing signs from her father, such as playing a song on guitar he used to sing to her, making her feel his presence.
She re ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Megyn Kelly's spiritual and religious beliefs and journey
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a personal faith journal to document your spiritual exploration and feelings about different religious practices. Start by writing down your current beliefs, doubts, and the doctrines that resonate with you or cause discomfort. As you visit various places of worship or engage with different spiritual practices, note your emotional and intellectual responses to each experience. This can help you track your journey and identify what aspects of faith are most meaningful to you.
- Develop a playlist of music that connects you to your spirituality or brings you comfort in times of need. Music can be a powerful tool for feeling connected to something greater than yourself. Choose songs that remind you of loved ones, bring peace, or uplift your spirit. Play this music during quiet reflection or when you seek solace, much like finding comfort in a church setting.
- Engage in a creative project that represents your interpretation of si ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
