Sharyl Attkisson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Sharyl Attkisson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Sharyl Attkisson is an investigative journalist and author best known for her long tenure at CBS News and for hosting the Sunday‑morning television program “Full Measure.”

Introduction

Sharyl Attkisson, born January 26, 1961, has carved a distinctive path in American investigative journalism. With a career spanning local stations, cable news, and a high‑profile role at CBS News, she later launched her own show and authored multiple books. Her estimated net worth of $800,000 underlines a career built on rigorous reporting, authorship, and syndicated programming. In her personal life, she is married to James Attkisson, whom she wed in 1984, and together they maintain a private family life. 

Quick Facts

From Florida Roots to National Spotlight

Raised in Sarasota, Florida, Sharyl Attkisson’s early years were shaped by a sense of fairness and curiosity. A letter to her high‑school newspaper critiquing local sports coverage hinted early at her journalism instincts.  She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in broadcast journalism, then began her career in local television news. 

Her break into national news came via CNN in 1990 and then CBS News in 1993, where over two decades she reported from Washington and beyond. 

Defining moments in Sharyl Attkisson’s journey include:

• Co‑authoring the textbook Writing Right for Broadcast and Internet News early in her career. 

• Winning a series of Emmy Awards and the Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting. 

• Resigning from CBS News in 2014 amid concerns over editorial pressure, then launching the show Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson in partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group. 

The Core Pillars of Wealth

The wealth of Sharyl Attkisson is built on three principal sources:

• Broadcast journalism earnings – her salary and freelance correspondent earnings from local stations, CNN, and CBS News.

• Authorship and royalties – her books Stonewalled, The Smear, and Slanted have drawn attention and revenue. 

• Syndicated program and speaking engagements – her show “Full Measure” and appearances contribute to her income streams.

Relationships & Family Life

Sharyl Attkisson’s personal life is notably stable relative to the turbulent world of investigative reporting. She married James Attkisson in 1984; he is often referenced as a lawyer or former law‑enforcement figure connected with her home region.  They have one daughter and maintain private family ties outside the public spotlight.

Key insights into Sharyl Attkisson’s relationships and personal life:

• Married since 1984 to James Attkisson; no public record of other relationships. 

• Daughter’s details largely kept private, respecting the family’s boundaries.

• Her relationship appears rooted in a shared respect for service and integrity, reflecting her career ethos.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond her professional life, Sharyl Attkisson leads a lifestyle marked by discipline and purpose:

• She holds a fifth‑degree black belt in Taekwon‑Do, showing both physical discipline and focus. 

• Her investigative reporting often locates her in high‑stakes environments — her program “Full Measure” recently won 10 Telly Awards. 

• While little is published about lavish assets, her earnings are modest and she aligns more with the image of a rigorous journalist than a flashy celebrity.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While valuation of a journalist’s net worth is always somewhat speculative, the publicly reported figures and her career trajectory provide a snapshot:

Her reported net worth of ~$800,000 (as found on CelebrityNetWorth) reflects a solid career but not one of enormous accumulation. The relatively modest figure may stem from lower public salary disclosure, fewer high‑end endorsements, and a focus on substantive journalism over monetizing personal brand.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Sharyl Attkisson’s reputation blends recognition and controversy. On one hand, she is celebrated for her investigative tenacity and ability to speak truth to power. Her programs and books explore media bias, accountability, and government transparency.  On the other hand, some of her work — particularly her commentary on vaccines — has drawn criticism from scientific and media peers. 

Regardless, her legacy is clear: a journalist who has consistently framed her work around accountability and principle. Her influence is seen in the younger generation of investigative reporters who view her approach as a template for rigorous, independent journalism.

Conclusion

Sharyl Attkisson’s journey from Sarasota, Florida, to the national stage offers a story of determination, ethics, and professional grit. Born January 26, 1961, she transformed local journalism fluency into major‑league investigations, authored acclaimed books, and now anchors her own program. With an estimated net worth of $800,000, she may not represent the upper echelons of celebrity wealth—but that aligns with her career’s focus on substance over spectacle. Married since 1984 and grounded in family and discipline, her story now serves as an example for those determined to hold power accountable while remaining true to one’s values.