George Stephanopoulos is a highly respected journalist and former political advisor, recognized for his contributions to both politics and journalism. As of 2024, he boasts a net worth of $40 million, with an annual salary of $15 million earned through his roles at ABC News as co-anchor of Good Morning America and host of This Week.
Key Facts About George Stephanopoulos
- Net Worth: $40 million (2024)
- Annual Salary: $15 million
- ABC News Roles: Co-anchor of Good Morning America and host of This Week
- Notable Political Role: Former White House Communications Director under President Clinton
- Real Estate Portfolio: Valued at over $10 million
- Spouse: Married to actress Ali Wentworth since 2001
- Education: Degrees from Columbia University and Oxford University
How Did George Stephanopoulos Build His $40 Million Net Worth?
Stephanopoulos’s wealth is the result of a successful career spanning politics, journalism, and production. His $15 million annual salary from ABC News constitutes the largest portion of his income. Over the years, his ability to transition seamlessly between careers has helped solidify his financial standing.
Political Career Highlights
Stephanopoulos began his professional journey in politics. After graduating from Columbia University and earning a Rhodes Scholarship to study theology at Oxford, he worked as an aide to Ohio Congressman Ed Feighan. His political career peaked during the Clinton administration (1993–1996), where he served as White House Communications Director and Senior Advisor, earning $125,000 annually.
Transition to Journalism
After leaving the White House, Stephanopoulos joined ABC News in 1996 as a political analyst. Over the years, he took on prominent roles, including hosting This Week in 2002 and co-anchoring Good Morning America in 2009. His $105 million contract over ten years, signed in 2019, underscores his value to the network.
George Stephanopoulos’s Real Estate Portfolio
Stephanopoulos has invested heavily in real estate:
- Manhattan: In 2010, he purchased a $6.5 million apartment on the Upper West Side.
- Hamptons: Owned multiple properties, including a $3.5 million East Hampton home and a Southampton property he sold for $6 million in 2018.
Personal Life and Family
Stephanopoulos married actress and comedian Ali Wentworth in 2001. The couple has two daughters, born in 2002 and 2005, and they reside in Manhattan. Stephanopoulos is also known for practicing transcendental meditation, which he credits with helping him manage stress in his demanding career.
Recent Developments
Defamation Lawsuit Settlement
In 2024, George Stephanopoulos and ABC News reached a $15 million settlement with Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit. The case revolved around statements Stephanopoulos made during a This Week broadcast, where he inaccurately referred to Trump as being found “liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case.
The settlement terms included:
- A $15 million charitable contribution to Trump’s future presidential foundation and museum
- $1 million toward Trump’s legal fees
- A formal statement of regret from ABC News
- An editor’s note added to the broadcast’s online article
This high-profile settlement underscores the ongoing challenges media outlets face in navigating complex legal matters.
George Stephanopoulos’s Impact on Media and Journalism
Stephanopoulos has played a significant role in political journalism, bringing unique insights from his time in the White House. Over the years, he has moderated presidential debates, conducted interviews with global leaders, and expanded his influence through production ventures like BedBy8 and George Stephanopoulos Productions.
Key Achievements
- Moderated presidential debates and conducted interviews with every U.S. president since Bill Clinton.
- Expanded into documentary production, tackling complex political and social issues.
- Won two News and Documentary Emmy Awards out of 17 nominations.
How Does His Salary Compare in the Industry?
With an annual salary of $15 million, Stephanopoulos ranks among the highest-paid journalists in the industry. His dual roles at ABC News and his production ventures justify his substantial earnings, reflecting his prominence in political and broadcast journalism.
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