Public view...

Megyn Kelly's contract negotiations spill into public view

By ALEX WEPRIN

Contract negotiations between Megyn Kelly and Fox News Channel have spilled into the media, with Fox News interim CEO Rupert Murdoch talking on the record to The Wall Street Journal (which he also owns via his other company, News Corp.) about the matter.

According to the Journal's Joe Flint, "Mr. Murdoch said in an interview that she is important to the network and he hopes to get a contract signed 'very soon,' but noted, 'it’s up to her.'" Adding: “We have a deep bench of talent, many of whom would give their right arm for her spot.”

Kelly is also slated to serve as a guest co-host of ABC's "Live with Kelly!" on Nov. 9, the day after the election. The appearance, would Fox would have had to approve, is another sign of her rising profile.

Flint reports that Kelly, who will make around $15 million this year, is aiming to get north of $20 million per year with her new contract. He also said he wants to keep Bill O'Reilly on as the channel's 8 PM host. O'Reilly's contract is also up next year.

As for reports that Murdoch may change the editorial direction of the channel, perhaps de-emphasizing conservative talk hosts in favor of newsier programming, Murdoch was unequivocal: "We’re not changing direction…that would be business suicide."