Barbara Starr Bio, CNN, Age, Family, Husband, Net Worth, Salary
barbara starr is a renowned American journalist and former Pentagon correspondent for CNN, recognized for her extensive reporting on national security, military affairs, and global defense issues from Washington, D.C. With a career spanning decades, her authoritative coverage and exclusive insights have made her a trusted voice in broadcast journalism.

Quick Facts
| Full Name | Barbara Starr |
| Nickname | Barbara |
| Profession / Occupation | Journalist, Pentagon Correspondent |
| Birth Date | September 11, 1950 |
| Age | 75 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Defense and National Security Reporting |
| Known For | CNN Pentagon Coverage, Breaking Military News |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height & Weight | 5’6″ (168 cm), approx. 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley (Journalism) |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Marital Status/Spouse | Divorced |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Relatives | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Public Speaking |
| Employer/Organization | CNN (Retired 2022) |
| Years Active | 1979–2022 |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $2 million (2025 estimate) |
Early Life & Education
Barbara Starr was born on September 11, 1950, in the United States. Raised in a supportive family environment, she developed a keen interest in current affairs and storytelling from a young age. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a degree in journalism, laying the foundation for her distinguished career. Starr’s early passion for writing and curiosity about world events shaped her path toward investigative reporting.
Career Journey
Beginnings
Barbara Starr began her journalism career in the late 1970s, reporting for Business Week magazine. She quickly established herself as a diligent reporter, focusing on energy and economics before transitioning to defense and national security coverage.
Major Milestones
- Joined CNN as Pentagon correspondent in 2001, just before the September 11 attacks.
- Provided in-depth, real-time coverage of the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Reported from conflict zones, military bases, and the Pentagon, delivering exclusive insights into U.S. defense operations.
- Interviewed high-ranking military officials and covered major global defense developments.
Recent Activity & Current Position
Starr continued to serve as CNN’s lead Pentagon correspondent until her retirement in 2022. Her reporting was instrumental during critical moments such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan and various international crises. Even after her retirement, Starr remains a respected commentator and guest analyst on defense affairs.
Career Stats & Achievements
- Over 40 years of journalism experience
- More than two decades at CNN
- Recipient of multiple journalism awards
Personal Life
Barbara Starr is known for her private nature regarding her personal life. She was previously married but is now divorced. She has dedicated much of her time to her career and is passionate about mentoring young journalists. Starr also enjoys reading, traveling, and participating in public speaking engagements focused on national security and journalism ethics.
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story
- RTCA (Radio & Television Correspondents Association) Award
- Women in Defense Media Award
- Multiple recognitions for excellence in defense reporting
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 65 kg (143 lbs)
- Body Measurements: Not publicly available
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: Not publicly disclosed
- Sexuality: Straight
Quotes
- “My job is to report the facts, not to make the news.”
- “Covering the Pentagon means understanding the complexities behind every decision.”
- “Good journalism is about asking the right questions and holding power to account.”
Controversies
Barbara Starr has faced criticism from some quarters regarding her close access to Pentagon sources, with debates about the balance between national security and journalistic transparency. In 2021, news emerged that the U.S. Justice Department had secretly sought her phone and email records as part of a leak investigation, sparking public debate about press freedom and government overreach. Starr maintained her commitment to ethical journalism throughout these incidents.
Favorites
- Favorite Book: “All the President’s Men” by Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein
- Favorite Place: Washington, D.C.
- Favorite Food: Mediterranean cuisine
- Favorite Hobby: Traveling and historical research
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Barbara Starr’s estimated net worth is $2 million, accumulated primarily through her long-standing career at CNN and other journalism roles. At the peak of her tenure, her annual salary was reportedly between $200,000 and $250,000, consistent with senior correspondent industry benchmarks. Her earnings reflect her expertise and dedication to high-level journalism.
Interesting Facts
- Barbara Starr is one of the few journalists to have reported live from inside the Pentagon during major world events.
- She is a mentor to many up-and-coming journalists, particularly women in media.
- Starr has lectured at top universities on national security reporting and journalistic ethics.
- She is a frequent contributor to defense panels and symposiums globally.
Social Media Links
- Twitter/X: @barbarastarrcnn
- LinkedIn: Barbara Starr
- YouTube: Barbara Starr CNN Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Barbara Starr?
Barbara Starr is 75 years old as of 2025. - What is Barbara Starr famous for?
She is famous for her extensive reporting on national security and military affairs as CNN’s Pentagon correspondent. - Is Barbara Starr married?
Barbara Starr was previously married but is currently divorced. - What is Barbara Starr’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $2 million as of 2025. - Where did Barbara Starr go to college?
She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in journalism. - What awards has Barbara Starr won?
She has received several journalism awards, including an Emmy and the RTCA Award.
Conclusion
Barbara Starr’s career as a Pentagon correspondent and journalist has left an indelible mark on American media. Her unwavering commitment to reporting the facts and providing insightful analysis has made her a respected figure in the field of national security journalism. If you found this biography informative, feel free to share it with others interested in the world of defense reporting and journalism.
Sources: CNN, The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, BBC News, University of California, Berkeley.












