Barbara Walters – $12 million per year
Former The View talk show host Barbara Walters is one of the most influential women broadcast journalists in the industry today. Starting as an anchor for NBC’s Today show and later on at ABC’s 20/20, she proved that she can outwit her male counterparts when it comes to serious journalism. With her charisma and genuinely unique probing skill of interviewing prominent personalities, Walters has reached a certain degree of popularity in Hollywood.
At some point in her career, she started earning $1 million per year for her hosting stints, leading to more opportunities for the journalist. Before retiring in 2004 at age 73, she was given a $12 million annual salary, making her the highest-paid news anchor in history. Her millions can accommodate her retirement years while still doing business on the side. Walters currently serves as executive producer of her show The View, all while savoring a net worth of $170 million.