In the ever-evolving landscape of media and journalism, news anchors play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and delivering the latest developments from around the globe. While their primary responsibility is to inform and educate, some news anchors have achieved unprecedented success not only in their careers, but also in accumulating vast wealth. Here, we delve into the lives and careers of the most affluent individuals who have risen to prominence as news anchors, unveiling the top 10 richest news anchors in the world.
10 Shepard Smith – $25 million
Shepard Smith served as the anchor for the Fox News program Shepard Smith Reporting, and holds the role of managing editor within the channel’s Breaking News Division. He possesses a net worth of $25 million. In a 2003 TV Guide survey, Smith shared the second position alongside Dan Rather and Peter Jennings as the most trusted news anchors on television. He hosted programs such as Fox Report with Shepard Smith and Studio B before taking up his current role as the anchor of his news show.
9 Megyn Kelly – $30 million
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Megyn Kelly ranks among the most highly compensated female news professionals. Her current net worth stands at $30 million, and this figure is anticipated to increase in the coming year. In 2003, Kelly commenced her reporting career with an ABC affiliate in Washington DC. The following year, she joined the Fox News team. Megyn Kelly made notable contributions in legal segments on programs such as Special Report with Brit Hume and The Bill O’Reilly Factor. In 2010, Kelly took on the role of hosting America Live and also appeared as a guest panelist on Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld.
8 George Stephanopoulos – $35 million
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George Stephanopoulos boasts a net worth of $35 million and works as the co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Additionally, he serves as a regional sub-anchor for ABC World News Tonight. His career in politics began with his involvement in the 1988 presidential campaign of Michael Dukakis, after which he became an advisor to the Democratic Party. During President Bill Clinton’s tenure, Stephanopoulos held the position of White House Communications Director. He also served as the Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy and was a member of the Council on Foreign Policy.
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7 Robin Roberts – $35 million
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Robin Roberts stands as the most affluent female news anchor in her profession. Her accumulated wealth amounts to $35 million, and she works as the co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. She embarked on her career as a sports anchor on local news and radio broadcasts. In 1990, Roberts took on the role of a sportscaster at ESPN, where she remained until her departure in 2005. Her entrance into Good Morning America that year significantly bolstered the program’s viewership ratings.
6 Brian Williams – $40 million
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Brian Williams currently holds the position of Chief Anchor within the cable news division of MSNBC. From 2004 to 2014, Brian Williams served as the managing editor and anchor on NBC Nightly News for a decade. However, his tenure at NBC was marred by a suspension after it was revealed that he had fabricated stories regarding his coverage of the Iraq War in 2003. Williams also stepped in as a replacement anchor for Tom Brokaw on NBC Nightly News before assuming the anchor position himself in 2004.
5 Bill O’Reilly – $50 million
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Bill O’Reilly, the conservative political commentator renowned for his association with Fox, boasts a net worth of $50 million. He garnered praise for his long-running show, The O’Reilly Factor, which aired on Fox from 1996 until the late 2010s. Information later came to light regarding O’Reilly’s settlements in multiple sexual harassment allegations, and O’Reilly’s future in the field of journalism remains uncertain.
4 Matt Lauer – $60 million
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Matt Lauer possesses an amazing fortune valued at $60 million. Lauer embarked on his media career by taking on the role of a producer for a local news program in Huntington, West Virginia. His hosting journey took him through various cities, including Boston, Philadelphia, Providence, and Richmond. Notably, he co-hosted Made in New York alongside Jill Rappaport and worked for ESPN. Lauer also co-hosted Today in New York alongside Jane Hanson. His tenure as the full-time male co-host of the Today Show garnered admiration for his incisive interviews, intelligence, and appealing appearance.
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3 Diane Sawyer – $80 million
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Diane Sawyer is undoubtedly one of the most renowned news anchors globally, holding the distinction of being the wealthiest female journalist with a net worth of $80 million. Born in Kentucky in 1945, Sawyer’s journey to success began when she clinched victory in the America’s Junior Miss Scholarship pageant in 1963. In 1978, Sawyer embarked on her tenure with CBS News as a reporter. Within a short span, she found herself co-anchoring the CBS Early Morning News. Her achievements reached new heights in 1984 when she became the first female correspondent for 60 Minutes.
2 Sean Hannity – $120 million
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Sean Hannity ranks as the second richest news anchor, boasting a net worth of $120 million. His professional journey in the news industry began in Alabama and Atlanta before Fox News Channel offered him a position as the co-host of Hannity & Colmes, a point-counterpoint show featuring the late Alan Colmes. Hannity has gained notoriety for promoting conspiracy theories, encompassing topics such as voter fraud, an alleged AIDS cover-up, questions surrounding former President Barack Obama’s birthplace, and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s email controversy.
1 Anderson Cooper – $200 million
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Anderson Cooper, the richest news anchor with a net worth of $200 million, owes part of his fortune to his mother, heiress and designer Gloria Vanderbilt. Before entering journalism, he ventured into teen modeling with Fords, collaborating with brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Macy’s. In 1995, Anderson started his career as a news correspondent for ABC and later joined CNN in 2001. His iconic show, Anderson Cooper 360°, launched in 2003, showcasing his on-location reporting for breaking news and comprehensive political coverage.
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Sources: Money INC, CNN, Fox News
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