Net Worth Ranker
What Is Diane Sawyer’s Net Worth?
Diane Sawyer, a prominent figure in broadcast journalism, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $80 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to her long and illustrious career as a news anchor and television journalist, spanning several decades and involving prominent news networks.
Diane Sawyer’s Career and Salary Highlights
Sawyer’s career trajectory began in 1967 at WLKY-TV in Louisville, Kentucky, where she worked as a weather forecaster. This early foray into television marked the beginning of her journey toward becoming a respected journalist. She transitioned into politics, serving as an assistant to White House Press Secretary Ron Ziegler during the Nixon administration. Her role within the White House provided her with invaluable political insight and experience, which later influenced her distinctive reporting style.
In 1978, Sawyer officially began her journalism career with CBS News as a general assignment reporter. Her dedication and skills quickly propelled her to the position of political correspondent, and in 1984, she achieved a milestone by becoming the first female correspondent for the renowned news program “60 Minutes.” During her time at “60 Minutes,” she consistently demonstrated her ability to delve into complex issues with clarity and insight. Her interviews with key figures, known for being both probing and empathetic, showcased her journalistic talent and secured her reputation as a top-tier journalist.
Diane Sawyer transitioned to ABC News in 1989, where she co-anchored “Primetime Live” with Sam Donaldson. Together, they delivered in-depth coverage of significant news stories. Sawyer earned praise for her insightful interviews and compelling investigative reports. Her work on “Primetime Live” solidified her status as a leading journalist.
A pivotal moment in Diane Sawyer’s career occurred in 1999 when she became a co-anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Her warm yet authoritative presence resonated with viewers, helping to boost the show’s ratings. She became a beloved figure among the morning audience, contributing to the show’s success.
In 2009, Diane Sawyer achieved another milestone, being named anchor of “ABC World News.” This appointment made her only the second female solo anchor of a major network’s evening news program. This accomplishment reflects her exceptional talent and dedication to the field of journalism.
During her tenure as the main anchor of “ABC World News,” Diane Sawyer’s salary reached its peak at $22 million. Before that, during her time as a co-anchor on “Good Morning America,” her annual salary was $12 million. These figures underscore her value and prominence within the news industry.
Throughout her career, Sawyer has conducted numerous high-profile interviews with influential figures from around the world. Her interview subjects include political leaders, celebrities, and other prominent individuals. Among her notable interviewees are Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, Nelson Mandela, and multiple U.S. Presidents. These interviews exemplify her ability to engage with diverse perspectives and provide viewers with valuable insights.
Sawyer’s contributions to journalism have been widely recognized through numerous awards and accolades. She has received several Emmy Awards, acknowledging her excellence in television journalism. Additionally, she has been honored with a Peabody Award, recognizing her outstanding achievements and contributions to the field.
Early Life and Education
Lila Diane Sawyer was born on December 22, 1945, in Glasgow, Kentucky. Her early interest in civic affairs was evident during her high school years when she served as editor-in-chief of her school newspaper. Her dedication and talent were further recognized when she won first place in the national America’s Junior Miss scholarship pageant in 1962. As a senior in high school, she toured America, promoting the Coca-Cola Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair.
Diane Sawyer attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, graduating in 1967 with a degree in English. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued law for a single semester at the University of Louisville. However, her passion for journalism led her to embark on a different career path.
Her career in journalism took off at WLKY-TV in Louisville, where she gained experience as both a weather forecaster and general news reporter. This early experience provided her with a solid foundation for her future endeavors in television journalism. From Kentucky, she moved to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
Political Career and Watergate
In 1970, Diane Sawyer transitioned from journalism to politics, taking a position in the White House. She served as an assistant to the White House deputy press secretary. Subsequently, she became an administrative assistant to the White House Press Secretary and later a staff assistant for President Richard Nixon. Her involvement in the Nixon administration led to speculation that she was the anonymous Watergate informant known as Deep Throat.
Before Deep Throat’s identity was publicly revealed, Sawyer was among a group of individuals who were considered potential suspects. In response to the speculation, she requested and received a public denial from reporter Bob Weinstein that she was Deep Throat. Her involvement in the White House and the Watergate era has remained a notable aspect of her career.
Return to Journalism and Continued Success
In 1978, Diane Sawyer returned to journalism, joining CBS News as a reporter and correspondent. Her talent and hard work led to her becoming a co-anchor of “CBS Morning News” in 1981. In 1984, she became a correspondent for “60 Minutes,” further solidifying her position in the field of broadcast journalism. From 1989 to 1998, and again from 2000 onwards, she co-anchored “Primetime Live.” She also served as a “20/20” co-anchor from 1998 to 2000.
Diane Sawyer’s career includes a significant tenure as a co-anchor of “Good Morning America” from 1999 to 2009. During her time on “GMA,” she was the reporter who broke the news of the 9/11 attacks to the show’s viewers. From 2009 to 2014, she served as an “ABC World News” anchor. Subsequently, her position at ABC changed to “special contributor” for ABC News. Her work on “ABC World News” helped maintain the program’s success, despite the ratings struggles faced by network news programs at that time.
In 2010, Sawyer received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field. In 2012, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Brown University, further recognizing her achievements and influence.
In 2019, Diane Sawyer was named a Disney Legend, acknowledging her long and distinguished association with ABC News, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company. As a 2019 inductee, she joined notable figures such as Robert Downey Jr., Bette Midler, James Earl Jones, and fellow TV reporter Robin Roberts in receiving this honor.
Over her career, Sawyer has interviewed U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Richard Nixon, along with international leaders such as Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, and Manuel Noriega. She has also interviewed other luminaries such as Nancy Reagan, Michael J. Fox, and Michael Jackson. Diane Sawyer has been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and has received an Emmy, a Daytime Emmy, and a Peabody Award for her work as a reporter.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Diane Sawyer married famed film and theater director Mike Nichols in 1988. Their marriage lasted until Nichols’ death in 2014. While they had no children together, Nichols had two children from previous marriages.
Diane Sawyer is among the notable individuals who have resided at The Beresford, a luxury apartment building in New York City overlooking Central Park. She and her late husband, Mike Nichols, once owned a French-style stone house in the New York Palisades overlooking the Hudson River. The home, which was recently valued at more than $4.6 million, sits on almost two acres of land and is surrounded by lush greenery and walking paths, as well as a swimming pool and guest cottage, which, like the main house, is constructed from stone. The main house boasts over 3,000 square feet of living space with room for three bedrooms and three and a half baths, among other amenities in the secluded old-fashioned home.
In 1995, Diane and Mike purchased a 20-acre beachfront property in Martha’s Vineyard called “Chip Chop” for $5.3 million. Chip Chop features multiple houses, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and extensive stretches of private beach. The main house alone spans 5,000 square feet and has 10 chimneys. Construction of Chip Chop began in the late 1930s but was paused due to World War II. The home was previously owned by actress Katharine Cornell. In August 2023, Diane listed Chip Chop for sale for $24 million. In November 2023, she sold the home for just under her asking price. This real estate transaction contributes significantly to Diane Sawyer’s net worth.
