Net Worth Ranker
What Is Barbara Walters’ Net Worth?
At the time of her death on December 30, 2022, Barbara Walters, a prominent figure in American broadcast journalism, had accumulated a net worth of approximately $170 million. This substantial wealth was primarily the result of her decades-long career in television, where she served as a host, anchor, and producer for several highly successful programs.
Barbara Walters’ Broadcasting Career and Earnings
Walters began her journey in the world of broadcasting in 1961 as a writer and researcher for NBC’s “The Today Show.” Her role quickly evolved, and she became the show’s “Today Girl,” covering lighter news stories and the weather. By 1974, she had risen to the position of co-host, making history as the first woman to hold such a role on an American news program. While specific salary figures for her early years at “The Today Show” are not publicly available, this role marked a significant turning point in her career and undoubtedly contributed to her growing financial success.
In 1976, Walters broke another barrier when she became the first woman to co-anchor a network evening news program, joining ABC Evening News. Her contract with ABC was a groundbreaking deal at the time, reportedly worth $1 million per year – a substantial sum that highlighted her value and influence in the industry. However, her tenure at ABC Evening News was relatively short-lived, lasting only until 1978, as she faced challenges with her co-anchor, Harry Reasoner.
Walters joined ABC’s “20/20” newsmagazine in 1979 and remained a key part of the program for many years. She became Hugh Downs’ co-anchor in 1984 and stayed with the show until her retirement in 2004. Her salary during her later years on “20/20” was substantial, reflecting her experience, popularity, and contributions to the program. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, sources indicated it was a significant component of her overall net worth.
One of Walters’ most successful ventures was the creation and production of the daytime talk show “The View,” which premiered in August 1997. As the creator and one of the original co-hosts, she played a crucial role in the show’s format and content. “The View” quickly gained popularity and has remained a staple of daytime television. Although her exact earnings from “The View” are not publicly available, it is certain that she received a substantial annual salary as a host and producer, in addition to royalties and ownership benefits, which significantly boosted her net worth.
Beyond her regular television roles, Walters was known for her special interviews and her annual “Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People” special. These high-profile interviews, featuring world leaders, celebrities, and influential figures, were highly sought after and generated significant revenue for ABC. While the specific fees she commanded for these interviews are not public knowledge, it is reasonable to assume that they contributed substantially to her income.
Other Ventures and Assets
In addition to her television career, Barbara Walters was also an author. She wrote two books, “How to Talk with Practically Anybody About Practically Anything” (1970) and “Audition: A Memoir” (2008). Royalties from these books contributed to her income, although the exact figures are not publicly available. “Audition: A Memoir” was a New York Times bestseller, suggesting it generated considerable revenue.
Furthermore, Walters owned a luxurious co-op apartment in a prestigious NYC building located at 944 Fifth Avenue, overlooking Central Park. The 11-room unit included a library, formal dining room, dressing room, and a large living room. After her death, her estate listed the apartment for sale in April 2023 for $19.75 million. The asking price was later lowered to $17 million in early 2024. The sale of this apartment considerably contributed to her estate’s value.
Barbara Walters’ Net Worth Details
The estimated $170 million net worth Barbara Walters held at the time of her passing was largely composed of earnings from her television career, including salaries, production fees, royalties, and ownership benefits. Revenue from her books, especially her memoir, also contributed. Her real estate holdings, particularly her Manhattan co-op apartment, formed a substantial part of her assets. While details of other investments or assets are not publicly available, it is plausible that her portfolio included other investments which added to her total net worth.
Throughout her illustrious career, Barbara Walters earned numerous accolades and awards, including multiple Emmy Awards, the Overseas Press Club’s President’s Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1989. These achievements underscored her significance in the broadcast journalism industry, establishing her legacy and supporting her financial accomplishments.
Barbara Walters’ career highlights include becoming the first female co-host of “The Today Show” in 1974 and the first female co-anchor of the “ABC Evening News” in 1976. Her creation of “The View” in 1997 was a pivotal moment, solidifying her role as a visionary in daytime television. Her interviews with global leaders and celebrities, such as her 1999 interview with Monica Lewinsky, which drew 74 million viewers, significantly boosted her recognition and financial success.
In summary, Barbara Walters’ net worth of $170 million was a reflection of her groundbreaking career in broadcast journalism. From her early days at “The Today Show” to her success with “20/20” and “The View,” she consistently broke barriers and achieved extraordinary financial success. Her Manhattan apartment, book royalties, and various other investments further supplemented her wealth, marking her as one of the most successful and influential figures in the history of television journalism. Her legacy extends beyond her financial achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the media landscape.
