Michael Savage Net Worth

Michael Savage: Net Worth, Career, Political Views, and Controversies

Michael Savage, born Michael Alan Weiner, is a prominent figure in American conservative media, known for his provocative commentary and staunch nationalist views. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Savage’s career, net worth, political stances, and the controversies that have shaped his public image.

Early Life and Education

Michael Savage was born on March 31, 1942, in The Bronx, New York. His parents, Benjamin and Rae Weiner, were Jewish immigrants from Russia. Savage has described his childhood as challenging, marked by a difficult relationship with his father. His younger brother, Jerome, was born with hearing and speech impairments and passed away in 1969. Tragically, his father died of a heart attack in 1970 when he was just 57 years old.

Savage’s educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Queens College (1963) and advanced degrees from the University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D. in nutritional ethnomedicine) and the University of Hawaii (master’s degrees in medical botany and medical anthropology). During his studies, he worked for Timothy Leary, the famous advocate for psychedelic drugs, as a keeper of a stone gatehouse. He was hired for the role because he did not use LSD.

Radio Career: The Rise of “The Savage Nation”

Savage’s foray into radio broadcasting was somewhat unconventional. Initially, he sought to publish a manuscript on illegal immigration, but it was rejected. This led him to create a demo tape, simulating a radio talk show, which he then sent to 250 radio stations. His aim was to transition into radio hosting. His career began in March 1994 at San Francisco’s KGO, where he filled in for liberal host Ray Taliaferro’s overnight show. His early tagline was, “To the right of Rush and to the left of God.”

The show gained traction, and when KGO transitioned to a conservative talk format, Savage was given the afternoon drive-time show, “The Savage Nation,” which debuted on January 2, 1995. The show gained national syndication through Talk Radio Network in 1999, and by September 2000, it was a fully national program. By the mid-2000s, “The Savage Nation” had a massive listenership, reaching 8 to 10 million weekly listeners, making it one of the most listened-to radio broadcasts in the country. By 2009, the show was broadcast on 400 stations across the U.S., solidifying its place as the second most popular talk radio show.

However, in September 2009, Savage’s show was dropped in San Francisco. Savage filed a lawsuit to break from his contract and won the case in 2012. This led to the show’s immediate cancellation. The show was revived on Cumulus Media Networks on October 23, 2012, but it was later cut to two hours in January 2019, with one hour carried as a podcast. In September 2020, he announced he would be withdrawing the radio show from syndication at the end of the year, focusing solely on the podcast. At its peak, “The Savage Nation” had an audience of nearly 10 million listeners daily.

Via Michael Savage

Michael Savage is also a prolific author, with 40 published books to his name, including two that reached the #1 spot on the “New York Times” bestsellers list. In March 2017, he released “Trump’s War: His Battle For America”, which he presented as his final book in the political sphere.

Political Views and Ideology

Michael Savage firmly identifies as a conservative nationalist. His political philosophy centers on the core principles of borders, language, and culture. He is a proponent of the English-only movement and vocally opposes illegal immigration. Savage argues that progressivism and liberalism are detrimental to American culture, which he seeks to preserve.

Controversies and Criticism

Throughout his career, Savage has been at the center of numerous controversies. In 2009, he was banned from entering the United Kingdom. He has also faced criticism for his remarks about sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder, which he characterized as “weak.” In 2020, he was a vocal opponent of mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Southern Poverty Law Center has stated that Savage adheres to the white genocide conspiracy theory, a view that has garnered considerable controversy. LGBT groups have also frequently condemned his remarks as offensive and discriminatory.

Personal Life and Family

Michael Savage’s personal life includes two marriages. His first marriage to Carol Ely ended in divorce in 1964. He remarried in 1967 to his current wife, Janet. Together, they have two children, a daughter, and a son. His son, Russ Weiner, is the billionaire founder of Rockstar Energy Drink. Janet was an early investor in the company and served as its CFO. When Pepsi acquired Rockstar for $3.85 billion in March 2020, Russ Weiner’s net worth reached $4 billion, while Janet’s net worth was at least $200 million.

Real Estate Holdings

Michael Savage has a portfolio of real estate holdings, including several properties across the United States. In the Bay Area, he owns at least three properties – two in Marin County and a condo in San Francisco. In addition, he owns homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and Beverly Hills, California.

Conclusion

Michael Savage’s career has been marked by significant success and controversy. From his radio show “The Savage Nation” to his various books and political commentary, he has cultivated a dedicated audience. His net worth reflects the financial success he has achieved. Savage’s views continue to spark debate, making him a significant and sometimes polarizing figure in American media.