Steve Kroft Net Worth

Steve Kroft: Net Worth, Salary, Career, and Personal Life

What is Steve Kroft’s Net Worth and Salary?

Steve Kroft, a highly respected name in American journalism, achieved considerable success throughout his distinguished career. As of 2024, Steve Kroft’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This impressive figure reflects not only his decades-long tenure as a prominent correspondent for the iconic news program “60 Minutes” but also the high salary he commanded during his peak years at CBS News.

At the height of his career, Steve Kroft’s annual salary reached an impressive $7 million. This significant compensation is a testament to his value to CBS News and the critical role he played in delivering impactful investigative reports to a global audience. The combination of his substantial net worth and high salary underscores Kroft’s financial success and professional acclaim.

Early Life and Education

Steve Kroft’s journey began on August 22, 1945, in Kokomo, Indiana, where he was born to parents Margaret and Fred Kroft. His formative years in Indiana laid the foundation for his future success. After completing his high school education, Kroft pursued higher education at Syracuse University, a prestigious institution known for its strong communications program. At Syracuse, he dedicated himself to his studies, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1967.

During his college years, Kroft actively engaged in campus life. He became a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, fostering connections and camaraderie with his peers. Additionally, he honed his journalistic skills by working at The Daily Orange, the university’s student newspaper, and WAER, the campus radio station. These experiences provided him with valuable practical training and helped him develop a passion for journalism, which would shape the course of his professional life.

Military Career and Journalism Beginnings

Following his graduation from Syracuse University, Steve Kroft was drafted into the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War, where he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. Within the military, Kroft utilized his communication skills as a reporter for the Armed Forces Network. His role involved covering the division’s involvement in the invasion of Cambodia. During his time in the military, he earned several Army journalism awards and a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement, recognizing his dedication and skill in reporting. He was later assigned to the military newspaper “Stars and Stripes” as a correspondent and photographer.

After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1971, Kroft embarked on a career in civilian journalism. He worked as a reporter in Syracuse, New York, for several years, gaining experience and honing his craft. Then, in pursuit of further education, he enrolled in a master’s degree program at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, completing it in 1975. This advanced degree further solidified his credentials and equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in investigative reporting.

CBS News Career: From Local Reporting to Foreign Correspondent

Kroft’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he moved to Florida after completing his master’s degree. There, he worked as a reporter, first in Jacksonville and later in Miami. His exceptional reporting skills soon caught the attention of CBS News, which recognized his potential as an investigative journalist. In 1980, Kroft joined CBS News in New York City, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The following year, he was promoted to correspondent, and the network transferred him to their Dallas location.

From Dallas, Kroft’s career continued to flourish. He remained there until 1983 when he was reassigned to Miami. While based in Miami, he began to travel extensively to Latin America, covering significant events such as the civil war in El Salvador and the U.S. invasion of Grenada. His coverage of these complex and critical events established him as a seasoned foreign correspondent.

In 1984, CBS News appointed Kroft as a foreign correspondent based in London. This role provided him with even greater opportunities to cover significant stories worldwide. He traveled extensively, reporting on numerous events that involved terrorism, violence, and political instability. His reporting covered the hijackings of TWA Flight 847, the Lebanese Civil War, the violence in Northern Ireland, and the assassination of Indira Gandhi. For his exceptional coverage of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Kroft was awarded his first Emmy Award, a testament to his dedication and talent.

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60 Minutes: Investigative Reporting and Memorable Moments

In 1986, CBS News brought Kroft back to the United States, where he took on the role of principal correspondent for the program “West 57th.” He remained in this position until the show was canceled in 1989. That same year, in September, Kroft joined the legendary news magazine show “60 Minutes,” marking another significant milestone in his career. He quickly became an integral part of the team and contributed to the show’s reputation for in-depth, investigative reporting.

Over the years, Kroft covered some of the most groundbreaking stories of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In 1990, he became the first American journalist granted extensive access to the grounds of the Chornobyl nuclear facility after the devastating accident. His resulting story earned him another Emmy Award, showcasing his courage and determination to report on critical events. He also interviewed Hillary Clinton after allegations of then-Governor Bill Clinton’s infidelity surfaced during the 1992 presidential election. His coverage of a friendly fire incident in the Gulf War in the same year earned him his first Peabody Award. In 1994, Kroft won two more Emmy Awards, one for his profile of Senator Bob Dole and another for his exposé on the Cuban government’s quarantine policy for individuals infected with AIDS.

Kroft conducted numerous notable presidential interviews and interviewed many prominent public figures and celebrities throughout his career. One of his most memorable moments occurred in 1997, when he interviewed Clint Eastwood. During the interview, Kroft asked Eastwood to confirm whether he had fathered seven children with five different women. Eastwood, known for his privacy, responded with a 30-second silence, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

In 2003, Kroft and the entire “60 Minutes” team were honored with Emmy Awards for their lifetime achievement in producing high-quality investigative reports. He remained a prominent figure on the show for almost two more decades, contributing significantly to its success. In May 2019, “The Hollywood Reporter” announced that Kroft would be retiring from “60 Minutes” after completing his 30th season with the show. His retirement marked the end of an era in investigative journalism.

Awards and Recognition

Steve Kroft’s exceptional contributions to journalism have been widely recognized and celebrated with numerous prestigious awards. Throughout his distinguished career, he received 11 Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, which acknowledges his remarkable body of work and lasting impact on the industry. He was also awarded five Peabody Awards, which are highly regarded for honoring excellence in broadcast journalism. Additionally, Kroft received two Columbia University DuPont Awards, recognizing his contributions to investigative reporting. His work has also been acknowledged by several academic institutions.

In addition to these major accolades, Kroft has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from Indiana University, Binghamton University, and Long Island University, reflecting his influence and impact on the field of communication and journalism. His presence has extended beyond the newsroom, leaving an imprint on popular culture. He appeared as himself in an episode of the television show “Murphy Brown” and played himself in the Woody Allen film “Small Time Crooks,” demonstrating his recognition beyond his professional field.

Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Controversies

Steve Kroft’s personal life has also been of interest to the public. He is married to Jennet Conant, an author and journalist in her own right. The couple married in 1991, forming a partnership that has withstood the test of time. Conant initially pursued a career in journalism but later became an author, publishing historical non-fiction books, mainly about World War II. Together, Steve and Jennet have one son, John, who attended the Juilliard School, reflecting the family’s interest in arts and culture.

In 2015, Kroft’s personal life became the subject of public scrutiny when the “National Enquirer” reported on an extramarital affair with Lisan Goines, a New York-based lawyer who was 28 years younger than him. Kroft admitted to the affair and issued a public apology. Despite the controversy, the marriage between Steve and Jennet survived. Conant chose not to file for divorce, and the couple remained together.

Steve and Jennet own homes in New York City and Sag Harbor, New York, reflecting their diverse interests and lifestyle.

Legacy and Retirement

Steve Kroft’s legacy as a journalist is firmly established. His dedication to in-depth reporting, his ability to ask tough questions, and his commitment to uncovering the truth have made him one of the most respected figures in the industry. Kroft’s investigative reports on “60 Minutes” have informed and influenced countless viewers, while his insightful interviews with political and cultural figures have provided valuable context for understanding significant events and personalities. His 30-year tenure at “60 Minutes” is a testament to his consistent excellence and enduring appeal.

After retiring from “60 Minutes” in 2019, Steve Kroft left an indelible mark on the landscape of American journalism. His career serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists, emphasizing the importance of integrity, thoroughness, and a commitment to the highest standards of reporting. Steve Kroft’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come, ensuring his place as a true icon of investigative journalism.