What Is Keith Morrison’s Net Worth?
Keith Morrison, a celebrated Canadian broadcast journalist, has amassed a considerable net worth of $8 million. This financial accomplishment is primarily attributed to his long and successful career in television journalism, most notably his enduring role as a correspondent for “Dateline NBC.” His insightful reporting and distinctive narrative style have solidified his position as a respected figure in the industry, contributing significantly to his overall wealth.
Keith Morrison’s Salary and “Dateline NBC” Career
Morrison’s annual salary at “Dateline NBC” is estimated to be $3 million. He joined “Dateline NBC” in 1995 and has been a cornerstone of the program ever since. His ability to captivate audiences with his storytelling has made him one of the most recognizable faces on the show. He has become well-known for his interviews with many prominent political and cultural figures.
Throughout his tenure at “Dateline NBC,” Keith Morrison has covered a wide array of stories, ranging from true crime mysteries to in-depth profiles of influential individuals. His reporting style, marked by a distinctive cadence and dramatic delivery, has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also been parodied on shows like “Saturday Night Live,” highlighting his cultural impact. It was portrayed on “Saturday Night Live” in a sketch starring Bill Hader. He also appeared on an episode of “Late Night with Seth Meyers” as himself, parodying his characteristic dramatic delivery of real-life murder mysteries that he is known for on “Dateline.” His work on “Dateline” has not only contributed to his financial success but has also solidified his reputation as a top-tier journalist.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Keith Morrison’s journey in journalism began in the mid-1960s at the “Saskatoon Star Phoenix,” where he gained foundational experience in news publishing. He then transitioned to television, anchoring for various stations in Saskatchewan, Toronto, and Vancouver, honing his on-screen presence and reporting skills. In the early 1970s, Morrison joined “Canada AM,” where he served as a newsreader, anchor, and producer. His early work at “Canada AM” provided him with a platform to develop his signature style and gain recognition in the Canadian broadcasting landscape.
He further expanded his career by working for “CTV National News,” “The Journal,” and “Midday,” taking on roles that showcased his versatility and journalistic acumen. From 1975 to 1976, Keith worked as a reporter on “CTV National News” and also served as National Affairs Correspondent and substitute anchor on the show from 1976 to 1979. In 1982, he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as the substitute anchor and Chief Political Correspondent for “The Journal,” the network’s nightly public affairs program. Morrison remained in the role until 1986. He also co-hosted “Midday,” the network’s newsmagazine show that he helped create, from 1984 to 1985. During this period, he demonstrated his ability to handle diverse news formats, from hard-hitting political coverage to engaging newsmagazine segments.
Move to NBC and “Dateline NBC” Stardom
In the mid-1980s, Morrison relocated to Los Angeles and became NBC’s West Coast correspondent for “NBC Nightly News” and the “Today Show.” In 1986, Keith moved to Los Angeles and began working as the anchor at the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. news shows for KNBC-TV. In 1988, he joined NBC News as a West Coast correspondent for the “NBC Nightly News” and the “Today Show.” This move marked a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to cover major national and international events. He covered the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. After a brief return to Canada, he was hired as a correspondent for “Dateline NBC” in 1995, where he has remained since. Keith has also been parodied in popular culture.
His work at NBC has not only expanded his reach but also increased his exposure, contributing to his financial success and solidifying his position as a prominent journalist. Morrison’s work on “Dateline NBC” has cemented his legacy in the field of broadcast journalism, making him a household name and a significant contributor to the program’s enduring success. He has become so prominent in the culture that he has appeared as himself on various television series, including on an episode of “Seinfeld” in which he reports the arrest of Kramer after he is accused of being a serial killer.
Personal Life and Family
Keith Morrison was born on July 2, 1947, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada. After finishing high school, he attended the University of Saskatchewan. He married Suzanne Perry in 1981. Suzanne worked as a writer, consultant, news anchor, and political fundraiser who had also served as the Press Secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Together, the couple have had four children – Caitlin, Emily, Willy, and Madeleine. He additionally has a son from a previous marriage named Michael. Keith was the stepfather to actor Matthew Perry, his wife’s son from a previous marriage. Matthew passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death was caused by the “acute effects of ketamine,” and other contributing factors were drowning, the effects of buprenorphine, and coronary artery disease.
Keith Morrison’s Connection to Matthew Perry
Keith Morrison’s personal life gained additional attention due to his marriage to Suzanne Perry, the mother of actor Matthew Perry. Keith married Suzanne in 1981, becoming Matthew’s stepfather when Matthew was 12 years old. Keith and Suzanne would eventually have four children together, daughters Caitlin, Emily, and Madeline, and son Willy. Keith also has a son named Michael from a previous marriage. Sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death was caused by the “acute effects of ketamine,” and other contributing factors were drowning, the effects of buprenorphine, and coronary artery disease.