Net Worth Ranker
What Is Gayle King’s Net Worth?
Gayle King, a prominent figure in American journalism, boasts a net worth of approximately $40 million. This substantial wealth is primarily accumulated through her successful career as a journalist, author, and magazine editor. Her roles at CBS and “O, The Oprah Magazine” have significantly contributed to her financial success. While the exact breakdown of her net worth from various sources isn’t publicly detailed, her consistent presence in high-profile media roles provides a solid foundation for this estimate.
Gayle King’s CBS Salary and Earnings
From 2014 to 2019, Gayle King’s annual salary at CBS was $5.5 million. Over these five years, her gross earnings amounted to around $30 million. This figure highlights her consistent value to the network during this period. In May 2019, King negotiated a new contract with CBS, securing a minimum of $11 million per year. This significant increase reflects her increased prominence and importance to the network’s programming.
While specific details of the contract beyond the annual salary aren’t publicly available, it’s likely the agreement includes clauses related to performance bonuses, appearance fees, and other benefits that could augment her overall compensation.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Gayle King was born on December 28, 1954, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her father, Scott, worked as an electrical engineer, which led to the family spending a significant portion of her childhood living in Turkey. While the exact address of her childhood home in Chevy Chase isn’t publicly available, her upbringing in a suburban environment provided a stable foundation for her future career.
King’s educational journey began at the University of Maryland, where she earned a double degree in psychology and sociology in 1976. During her time in college, she gained valuable experience working at WTOP-TV. Her first professional role after graduation was as a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her career in journalism. She later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and worked as a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor for WDAF-TV. These initial positions were instrumental in developing her on-air presence and journalistic skills.
Career Milestones and Television Appearances
In 1981, King was hired by WFSB in Hartford, Connecticut, where she spent 18 years as a news anchor. This long tenure solidified her reputation as a reliable and respected journalist. During this time, she also became a special correspondent for “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” appearing in 141 episodes across its 25 seasons. The exposure from this role significantly broadened her audience and enhanced her profile.
In 1991, King co-hosted “Cover to Cover,” an NBC daytime talk show, with Robin Wagner. Although the show was short-lived, lasting only 13 weeks, it provided her with valuable experience in the talk show format. King hosted three iterations of “The Gayle King Show”: a syndicated talk show in 1997 that lasted one season, an XM Satellite Radio show in 2006, and a show on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) in 2011. The OWN show ran from January to November 2011, before she left to co-anchor “CBS This Morning.”
“CBS This Morning” initially featured Charlie Rose and Erica Hill as co-anchors alongside King. However, Hill departed after six months, and Rose was terminated in 2017 due to sexual misconduct allegations. Norah O’Donnell replaced Hill, and John Dickerson replaced Rose in January 2018. Both O’Donnell and Dickerson left in May 2019, leading to Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil joining King as co-anchors. King also worked as a special correspondent for “Good Morning America” and co-hosted “Oprah and Friends” on XM Satellite Radio. These various roles have contributed to her overall earnings and net worth.
Notable Interviews and Public Advocacy
King’s career has been marked by several high-profile interviews and moments of public advocacy. Her 2019 interview with R. Kelly gained significant attention due to Kelly’s emotional outbursts, during which King maintained her composure. This interview solidified her reputation as a skilled and unflappable journalist.
In 2018, King publicly urged CBS to be transparent about sexual harassment and abuse allegations against former CEO Leslie Moonves. This action demonstrated her commitment to ethical journalism and her willingness to hold powerful figures accountable.
Awards and Recognition
King has received numerous awards for her work in journalism, including three Emmys. These awards recognize her contributions to the field and her excellence in reporting and interviewing. In 2008, she received the American Women in Radio & Television Gracie Award for Outstanding Radio Talk Show, acknowledging her success in the radio format. In 2010, she earned the New York Women in Communications’ Matrix Award and the Individual Achievement Award for Host-Entertainment/Information, further highlighting her accomplishments in the media industry.
In 2017, King was honored at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon for her work with SEO Scholars, an educational non-profit organization. This recognition underscores her commitment to supporting educational opportunities for underprivileged students. In 2019, she was included in “Time” magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people, a testament to her significant impact on society and culture.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2008, King purchased a $7 million penthouse in Manhattan. This 2,500-square-foot residence features two fireplaces and a wraparound terrace, providing luxurious living space in the heart of New York City. While the exact address is not publicly available, the value and features of the property reflect her financial success.
Also in 2008, King’s home in Greenwich, Connecticut, was listed for nearly $7.5 million. She originally acquired the 10,000-square-foot house for $3.6 million in 2000. Public records indicate that the owner of the home is Overground Railroad LLC, a company owned by Oprah Winfrey. The sale of this property contributed to her overall financial portfolio. While specific details about other real estate investments aren’t publicly known, her ownership of these high-value properties demonstrates a diverse asset base.
Personal Life and Relationships
Gayle King married attorney Bill Bumpus in 1982, and they divorced in 1993. The marriage produced two children: a daughter named Kirby, born in May 1986, and a son named William Jr., born in April 1987. Oprah Winfrey is the godmother to both of King’s children, reflecting the close bond between the two women.
King and Winfrey’s friendship began in 1976 when they worked together at WJZ-TV. Their enduring friendship has spanned decades, with Winfrey presenting King with the award when she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2019, the pair starred in a video series for OprahMag.com called “The OG Chronicles,” further showcasing their close relationship and collaborative endeavors.
Additional Career Ventures and Earnings
Beyond her roles at CBS and “O, The Oprah Magazine,” Gayle King has engaged in various other career ventures that contribute to her income. These include guest appearances on other television shows, public speaking engagements, and potentially endorsements or brand partnerships. While the exact financial details of these ventures are not publicly disclosed, they collectively add to her overall earnings and net worth.
Gayle King’s net worth of $40 million is a testament to her hard work, talent, and strategic career decisions. Her consistent presence in high-profile media roles, coupled with her savvy negotiation skills, has allowed her to accumulate significant wealth over the years. The details of her various contracts and real estate holdings provide further insight into the sources of her financial success. Her career continues to evolve, ensuring her ongoing financial stability and influence in the media landscape.
