Norah O’Donnell Net Worth

Norah O’Donnell: Net Worth, Salary, Career, and Personal Life

Norah O’Donnell’s Net Worth and Salary

Norah O’Donnell, a prominent figure in American journalism, has carved a successful career in both print and television. As of late 2023, Norah O’Donnell’s net worth is estimated to be $22 million. Her substantial earnings are a testament to her hard work and expertise in the field. Her annual salary at CBS is reported to be $8 million, reflecting her significant role within the network.

O’Donnell currently holds the position of anchor for the CBS Evening News, a flagship program for the network. In addition to her anchoring duties, she is a contributing correspondent for the renowned news magazine, “60 Minutes.” O’Donnell also occasionally fills in as a substitute host for CBS’s Sunday morning show, “Face the Nation,” demonstrating her versatility and value to the network.

Early Life and Family Background

Norah Morahan O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C. Her upbringing was influenced by her parents, Noreen Bernadette O’Kane and Francis O’Donnell. Her father was a doctor and a U.S. Army officer. This upbringing exposed her to a variety of experiences and people. Her father’s career led the family to live in different locations, which contributed to her adaptability.

O’Donnell’s parents are of Irish descent, with ancestral roots in Derry, Belfast, and Donegal. This heritage gives her a strong connection to her Irish roots. Her family history includes Irish immigrants, and her grandmother’s experience of living in the U.S. undocumented for sixteen years provides an interesting family history.

At the age of three, Norah’s family relocated to San Antonio, Texas. This move marked the beginning of her early childhood experiences away from the nation’s capital. During her childhood, she spent two years in Seoul, South Korea, where her father was assigned. She also lived in Germany for a period. These global experiences likely broadened her worldview and prepared her for a career that would span national and international news coverage.

Her first introduction to broadcasting came at the age of 10, when she started creating videotaped English language lessons for the Korean Educational Development Institute, foreshadowing her future in television. Upon her father’s return from Korea, the family settled back in San Antonio. O’Donnell graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1991, and further pursued her education at Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1995, followed by a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2003.

Career Journey: From Print to Television

Norah O’Donnell embarked on her journalism career at the newspaper “Roll Call,” where she served as a staff writer, covering Congress. Her experience in print journalism provided her with a foundational understanding of political processes and reporting. This early role helped her develop strong research and writing skills, which she later applied to her television career.

O’Donnell spent the following twelve years at NBC, where she advanced through various roles. She served as a commentator for “Today,” the Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC, and a White House correspondent for NBC News. Her roles at NBC helped establish her reputation as a credible and insightful journalist. She also worked as a contributing anchor for “MSNBC Live” and a rotating news anchor on “Weekend Today,” further demonstrating her adaptability and versatility in different broadcast formats.

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During her time at NBC, O’Donnell’s reports were featured on several prominent shows, including “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC,” showcasing her investigative and reporting skills. She also filled in for Chris Matthews on “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” demonstrating her aptitude for political commentary and debate. Since 2007, she co-hosted the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on WNBC.

Leading the CBS Evening News

In 2011, O’Donnell transitioned to CBS, starting by filling in for Scott Pelley on the “CBS Evening News” on October 10, 2011. This marked a significant step in her career, providing her with a platform to reach a broader audience. During 2011 and 2012, she served as the network’s Chief White House Correspondent. She was then named co-anchor of “CBS This Morning” in the fall of 2012, increasing her visibility within the network.

In May 2019, Susan Zirinsky, the president of CBS News, announced that O’Donnell would become the anchor and managing editor of the “CBS Evening News.” She would also become the lead anchor for political events on the network and a contributing correspondent for “60 Minutes.” This promotion signified her importance to the network and her ability to lead in-depth news coverage. O’Donnell’s last broadcast of “CBS This Morning” was on May 16, 2019, after which she took over as anchor of the “CBS Evening News.” This made her the third woman, after Connie Chung and Katie Couric, to serve as the weeknight anchor of the “CBS Evening News.”

Awards and Accolades

Throughout her career, Norah O’Donnell has received several accolades that recognize her contributions to journalism. In 2008, she won an Emmy as part of the NBC News Election Night coverage team for Outstanding Live Coverage of a Breaking News Story – Long Form. This award reflected her team’s ability to provide immediate and comprehensive reporting during high-stakes events.

In 2018, she received another Emmy in the category of Outstanding Investigative Report in a Newscast for her report “Sexual Assault in the Air Force Academy,” which aired on “CBS This Morning.” The report, which O’Donnell spent six months investigating, highlighted her commitment to in-depth journalism and her focus on important social issues. The story also received an honorable mention for the Edgar Allen Poe Award from the White House Correspondents’ Association later that year.

O’Donnell has also been recognized for her influence and impact. “Washingtonian Magazine” named her one of Washington’s 100 most powerful women, and “Irish American Magazine” included her in its Top 100 Irish Americans. O’Donnell was also honored with the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage for her story “D.C. In Crisis,” which aired on “Dateline NBC” on the night of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Personal Life and Family

Norah O’Donnell is married to D.C. restaurateur Geoff Tracy. The two met while attending Georgetown University as freshmen and married in June 2001. Their relationship highlights her ability to balance a high-profile career with a fulfilling personal life. Together, they have twins Grace and Henry, and a daughter named Riley. The family splits their time between Washington, D.C., and the Upper West Side in New York City, reflecting her bi-coastal lifestyle and her commitment to both her career and family.

O’Donnell and Tracy have also co-authored a cookbook for parents, titled “Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler,” published in 2010. The book demonstrates her interest in family life and healthy eating, providing practical guidance for parents seeking to nourish their children. It further underscores her ability to connect with a wide audience on multiple levels, going beyond her on-screen presence to share her personal experiences and advice.

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