Sharyl Attkisson, born January 26, 1961, is a renowned American investigative journalist, celebrated for her fearless reporting and dedication to uncovering truth. At 64 years old, her net worth is estimated at $800,000, derived from her extensive career in journalism, authorship, and hosting Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson. Married to James Attkisson since 1984, she balances a private personal life with a public career. This article explores her age, net worth, salary, married life, dating history, and professional journey, offering fresh insights into her impact on journalism.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Journalism Icon
Born in Sarasota, Florida, Sharyl Attkisson, originally Sharyl Thompson, grew up in a large family of seven children. Her father, a lawyer, and stepfather, an orthopedic surgeon, instilled a strong work ethic. Attending Wilkinson Elementary and Riverview High School, she developed an early interest in storytelling. She graduated from the University of Florida in 1982 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, laying the foundation for her illustrious career. Her early exposure to diverse perspectives in a bustling household shaped her ability to ask tough questions, a skill that defines her investigative work.
Career Beginnings: From Local News to National Spotlight
Sharyl Attkisson’s career began at 22 years old in 1982 as a reporter for WUFT-TV, a PBS station in Gainesville, Florida. She quickly moved to WTVX-TV in Fort Pierce/West Palm Beach, serving as an anchor and reporter from 1982 to 1985. Her talent led to roles at WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, and WTVT in Tampa, Florida. By 1990, she joined CNN as an anchor, covering significant events like space exploration. In 1993, she transitioned to CBS News, where she spent 21 years as an investigative correspondent, earning a reputation for tackling complex issues like the Fast and Furious scandal and Benghazi attack. Her departure from CBS in 2014 was driven by frustrations over editorial constraints, as detailed in her book Stonewalled.
“Journalism is about holding power to account, not aligning with it.” — Sharyl Attkisson, reflecting on her career philosophy.
Hosting Full Measure: A Platform for Truth
Since 2015, Attkisson has hosted Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson, a syndicated investigative news program on Sinclair Broadcast Group. Airing on Sundays, the show dives into government accountability, corporate malfeasance, and media bias. Her recent 2025 episodes have explored topics like vaccine safety and government transparency, resonating with audiences seeking unfiltered reporting. Her ability to maintain editorial independence has made Full Measure a trusted source, with a growing viewership of over 2 million weekly across platforms, according to industry estimates. Follow her updates on Twitter and FullMeasure.news.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
As of 2025, Sharyl Attkisson’s net worth is estimated at $800,000, accumulated through her journalism career, book royalties, and speaking engagements. Her salary as the host of Full Measure reportedly ranges between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, supplemented by income from bestselling books like Stonewalled (2014), The Smear (2017), Slanted (2020), and Follow the Science (2024). Unlike many journalists, her diversified income streams highlight her entrepreneurial approach. For comparison, investigative journalists with similar accolades often have net worths ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, per industry analyses.
Married Life and Personal Insights: Balancing Privacy and Public Life
Sharyl Attkisson has been married to James Attkisson, a retired attorney and former sheriff’s deputy, since 1984. The couple, who reside in Leesburg, Virginia, have one daughter, Sarah Judith Starr Attkisson, born around 1995. Despite her public persona, Attkisson keeps her family life private, rarely sharing photos of her husband. In her book Stonewalled, she credits James for supporting her through career challenges, including alleged government surveillance of her devices. Her dating history is minimal, with no public record of relationships before her marriage, reflecting her preference for privacy.
“My husband’s support gave me the strength to confront institutional resistance.” — Sharyl Attkisson, Stonewalled.
Her fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do underscores her discipline, a trait that permeates her professional and personal life. A 2023 case study by the Journal of Media Ethics praised her resilience, noting how her martial arts training mirrors her tenacity in uncovering truth.
Controversies and Resilience: Facing Criticism Head-On
Attkisson’s reporting, particularly on vaccine-autism links, has sparked controversy. A 2019 Snopes investigation criticized her for mischaracterizing expert testimony, though she defended her work, citing suppressed data. Her 2024 book, Follow the Science, further explores pharmaceutical industry influence, drawing both praise and skepticism. Despite pushback, her five Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Award affirm her credibility. Her ability to navigate criticism while maintaining a loyal audience highlights her unique position in journalism.
Biography Table: Sharyl Attkisson’s Life at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sharyl Thompson Attkisson |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1961 |
| Age | 64 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Sarasota, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, University of Florida (1982) |
| Career Start | Reporter, WUFT-TV (1982) |
| Notable Roles | CBS News Investigative Correspondent (1993–2014), Host of Full Measure (2015–present) |
| Books Authored | Stonewalled (2014), The Smear (2017), Slanted (2020), Follow the Science (2024) |
| Awards | Five Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Award |
| Net Worth | $800,000 (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $50,000–$100,000 annually (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Married to James Attkisson (1984–present) |
| Children | One daughter, Sarah Judith Starr Attkisson (born ~1995) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Hobbies | Fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
| Current Residence | Leesburg, Virginia, USA |
Recent Updates and Future Outlook
In 2025, Attkisson continues to shape public discourse through Full Measure, with recent episodes tackling AI in journalism and government transparency. Her Wikipedia page details her ongoing legal battles, including a 2019 lawsuit against government surveillance, dismissed but revealing systemic issues. Her influence extends beyond reporting, as she mentors aspiring journalists through speaking engagements, emphasizing ethical reporting. Her media bias chart, introduced in 2017, remains a tool for analyzing news credibility, widely discussed on platforms like PJ Media.
Unique Insights: Why Attkisson Stands Out
Unlike many journalists, Attkisson’s commitment to independent reporting sets her apart. Her decision to leave CBS in 2014 was a bold stand against perceived editorial bias, a move that resonates with audiences distrustful of mainstream media. Her 2025 audience engagement data shows a 30% increase in Full Measure viewership, reflecting growing demand for unfiltered journalism. Her martial arts discipline and investigative tenacity make her a role model for navigating high-stakes environments.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Courage
Sharyl Attkisson’s journey from a Florida newsroom to a national stage exemplifies resilience and integrity. At 64, her net worth of $800,000, salary, and married life with James Attkisson complement a career defined by impactful reporting. Her work continues to challenge narratives, inspire journalists, and engage audiences. Stay updated on her work via FullMeasure.news and connect with her on Twitter.
