Net Worth Ranker
What Is John King’s Net Worth?
John King, a prominent American journalist and producer, has amassed a net worth of approximately $7 million. This financial standing is primarily a result of his extensive career in journalism, particularly his work with CNN as Chief National Correspondent and anchor of “Inside Politics.” While the precise breakdown of his assets is not publicly detailed, it is understood that his wealth is derived from his salary, production credits, and potential investments accumulated over decades in the media industry.
John King’s Career and Earnings
King’s career trajectory began in 1985 when he joined the Associated Press (AP). By 1991, he had ascended to the role of chief political correspondent, overseeing the AP’s coverage of two presidential elections. His tenure at AP was marked by significant recognition, including winning the Associated Press Managing Editors’ Association’s top prize for his reporting on the Gulf War in 1991. However, specific salary figures for his time at AP are not publicly available.
In 1997, King transitioned to CNN, where he quickly rose to become the network’s senior White House correspondent by 1999. This pivotal role solidified his position as a key figure in political journalism. In 2005, CNN appointed him as its chief national correspondent, further enhancing his visibility and influence. Since 2014, he has anchored “Inside Politics,” a role that has become synonymous with his name.
King’s compensation at CNN is not publicly disclosed, but chief national correspondents at major news networks typically command substantial salaries, reflecting their experience, expertise, and on-air presence. It is reasonable to assume that a significant portion of his $7 million net worth has been earned through his employment at CNN.
Beyond his anchoring duties, King has also contributed to CNN as a producer. In 2021, he served as a producer on “CNN Newsroom” and the documentary “Dreams of Daraa.” While the specific financial compensation for these production roles is not known, they would have contributed to his overall income.
King’s on-screen presence extends beyond news programs. He made an appearance in the 2012 film “Safe House” and guest-starred in episodes of Amazon Prime Video’s “Alpha House” (2014) and Netflix’s “House of Cards” (2013–2016). While these acting roles are unlikely to have contributed significantly to his net worth compared to his journalism career, they represent additional sources of income.
One of King’s trademarks is his use of the Multi-Touch Collaboration Wall, also known as the “Magic Map” or “Magic Wall,” particularly during election coverage. This innovative tool has earned him widespread recognition and solidified his reputation as a leading political analyst. His extensive use of the “Magic Wall” during the 2008 presidential election primaries significantly elevated his profile. The “New York Post” lauded him for “winning the internet on Election Day” in 2020, and the “Los Angeles Times” hailed him as the “MVP” for his election coverage. These accolades underscore his value to CNN and likely influence his compensation.
From 2009 to 2010, King hosted “State of the Union,” a four-hour Sunday talk show. Following Lou Dobbs’ resignation from CNN in November 2009, King took over Dobbs’ former timeslot. In January 2010, he announced his departure from “State of the Union” and began hosting “John King, USA,” an hour-long news program that aired until June 2012. The specific salary adjustments or bonuses associated with these hosting roles have not been publicly disclosed.
In May 2011, King was the CNN anchor who confirmed Osama bin Laden’s death. This significant announcement further solidified his role as a trusted news source. However, on April 2013, he erroneously reported that a dark-skinned male had been identified as a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing, citing law enforcement sources. While this error may have temporarily impacted his reputation, it did not appear to have a lasting effect on his career or earning potential.
Personal Life and Financial Considerations
John King was born John Carlton King on August 30, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Boston Latin School and later graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. While his education laid the foundation for his career, the direct financial impact of his academic background on his net worth is difficult to quantify.
King has been married twice. His first marriage to Jean Makie resulted in two children, Hannah and Noah. His second marriage was to Dana Bash, a fellow CNN anchor, on May 25, 2008. The couple welcomed a son, Jonah, in June 2011, and divorced in 2012. Divorce settlements can sometimes have a significant impact on an individual’s net worth, depending on the division of assets. However, the details of King’s divorce settlement with Bash are not publicly available, so it is impossible to determine the extent to which it may have affected his finances.
In October 2021, King revealed that he is immunocompromised due to multiple sclerosis (MS), which he had been diagnosed with 13 years prior. While he has stated that his MS is not aggressive, the ongoing medical care required to manage the condition likely entails significant expenses. These healthcare costs would represent a recurring deduction from his income and impact his overall financial well-being.
While information about John King’s specific real estate holdings, investment portfolio, or other assets is not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he has made prudent financial decisions throughout his career to secure his financial future. His $7 million net worth reflects his success in the media industry and his ability to manage his finances effectively.
