George Stephanopoulos Net Worth 2024 and Salary: George Stephanopoulos is a prominent American journalist and former political advisor who currently serves as the chief anchor at ABC News, holding a net worth of $40 million in 2024, earning an annual salary of $15 million through his roles as co-anchor of Good Morning America and host of This Week.
Key Facts About George Stephanopoulos
- George Stephanopoulos’s net worth is estimated at $40 million as of 2024.
- His ABC News contract provides an annual salary of $15 million.
- His political career peaked as White House Communications Director under President Clinton.
- He currently co-anchors Good Morning America and hosts This Week.
- His real estate portfolio includes properties worth over $10 million in New York.
- He shares his life with actress Ali Wentworth since their 2001 marriage.
- His academic credentials include degrees from Columbia University and Oxford University.
What is George Stephanopoulos’s Current Net Worth and How Did He Build It?
George Stephanopoulos has accumulated a net worth of $40 million through his successful career transitions from politics to journalism. His primary income source is his role at ABC News, where he earns $15 million annually as a lead anchor. His wealth building journey began in politics, where he served as a key White House staff member, before establishing himself as one of television’s highest-paid news personalities.
How Did George Stephanopoulos Begin His Professional Journey?
Born on February 10, 1961, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Stephanopoulos showed early academic excellence. He graduated as salutatorian from Columbia University with a political science degree in 1982. His academic achievements earned him a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, where he completed his master’s in theology.
His professional career began as an aide to Ohio Congressman Ed Feighan, earning $14,500 annually. This modest beginning laid the foundation for his political career, leading to his role in Michael Dukakis’s 1988 presidential campaign and eventually becoming a key figure in Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential run.
What Marked His Political Career in the White House?
Stephanopoulos served as White House Communications Director and Senior Advisor during the Clinton administration from 1993 to 1996. His salary increased to $125,000 during this period. His role involved shaping administration messaging and policy initiatives, particularly focusing on crime legislation, affirmative action, and healthcare reform.
How Did He Transition to Journalism?
After leaving politics in 1996, Stephanopoulos joined ABC News as a political analyst. His journalism career flourished as he became host of This Week in 2002 and later co-anchor of Good Morning America. The network demonstrated their faith in his abilities with a $105 million contract over ten years, solidifying his position as a leading voice in political journalism.
What Properties Does George Stephanopoulos Own?
His real estate portfolio reflects his financial success. In 2010, he purchased a $6.5 million apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. He has also owned multiple properties in the Hamptons, including a $3.5 million East Hampton home and a Southampton property he sold for $6 million in 2018 after purchasing it for $4.5 million.
What Recent Controversies Has He Faced?
In 2015, Stephanopoulos faced criticism for failing to disclose $75,000 in donations to the Clinton Foundation while covering related stories. More recently, in 2024, ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump for $15 million over statements Stephanopoulos made regarding Trump’s legal cases.
What is His Personal Life Like?
Stephanopoulos married actress Ali Wentworth in 2001. The couple has two daughters, born in 2002 and 2005. They maintain a residence in Manhattan, where they balance their public careers with family life. Stephanopoulos practices transcendental meditation, introduced to him by Jerry Seinfeld.
How Does He Continue to Impact Media?
Beyond his regular hosting duties, Stephanopoulos has expanded into production through his companies BedBy8 and George Stephanopoulos Productions. These ventures have produced several documentaries, including works on Brooke Shields and political investigations. His influence in political journalism remains significant, particularly during election coverage and high-profile interviews with world leaders.
What Recognition Has He Received in His Career?
Stephanopoulos’s journalistic excellence has earned him significant recognition, including multiple Emmy nominations. He has received 17 News and Documentary Emmy Award nominations and won two. In 2007, St. John’s University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws, acknowledging his contributions to journalism and public service.
How Does His Salary Compare to Industry Standards?
His $15 million annual salary positions him among the highest-paid television journalists. This compensation reflects his dual role as co-anchor of Good Morning America and host of This Week, along with his position as ABC News’s chief political correspondent. His salary has grown significantly from his early days at ABC News, demonstrating his increasing value to the network.
What Impact Has He Had on Political Coverage?
Stephanopoulos has moderated numerous presidential debates and conducted significant political interviews. His background in politics provides unique insights into his coverage. He has interviewed every U.S. president since Bill Clinton, establishing himself as a trusted voice in political journalism. His interview style combines deep political knowledge with journalistic objectivity.
How Has His Greek Heritage Influenced His Career?
Born to Greek Orthodox parents, with his father serving as a Greek Orthodox priest, Stephanopoulos maintains strong connections to his heritage. In 2016, the Greek government recognized his achievements by featuring him on a €1 postage stamp, alongside other notable Greek-Americans. His cultural background has informed his perspective on international affairs and domestic politics.
What Are His Current Professional Responsibilities?
As of 2024, Stephanopoulos maintains multiple roles at ABC News. He co-anchors Good Morning America with Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan, hosts This Week on Sundays, and leads special coverage of major political events. He has also expanded into documentary production, overseeing projects that examine complex political and social issues.
How Has His Role in Media Evolved?
From his initial position as a political analyst, Stephanopoulos has evolved into a multimedia presence. He has appeared in television shows like House of Cards and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., playing himself. His production companies create content for various platforms, including streaming services and traditional television.
What Sets Him Apart in Broadcasting?
His unique combination of political experience and journalistic credentials distinguishes him in broadcasting. His ability to analyze complex political situations while maintaining accessibility for general audiences has made him a valuable asset in news coverage. His interview technique balances tough questioning with fair treatment of subjects across the political spectrum.
What Are The Latest Developments Surrounding George Stephanopoulos?
A significant recent development involves ABC News and George Stephanopoulos reaching a $15 million settlement with Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit. The case stemmed from statements made during a March 10, 2024 broadcast of “This Week,” where Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that Trump had been found “liable for rape” while interviewing Representative Nancy Mace.
The settlement terms include:
- ABC News agreeing to pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to Trump’s future presidential foundation and museum
- An additional $1 million payment toward Trump’s legal fees
- A formal statement expressing regret for Stephanopoulos’s statements
- An editor’s note added to the March 10 online article
The controversy arose from Stephanopoulos’s characterization of the E. Jean Carroll case verdict. While a jury had found Trump liable for sexual abuse under New York law, they had not found him liable for rape in its technical legal definition. The distinction became the center of the defamation claim.
The settlement came shortly before scheduled depositions, where both Trump and Stephanopoulos were ordered to give sworn testimony. This resolution adds to the growing list of media-related legal battles involving the former president, though unlike his previous suits against outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, this case resulted in a substantial settlement in Trump’s favor.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges media organizations face in accurately reporting on complex legal matters and the potential consequences of mischaracterizing court decisions. The settlement represents one of the more significant recent corrections in mainstream media coverage of Trump-related legal matters.
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