John King (Journalist) Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Salary & Career Highlights

John King is an acclaimed American journalist and news anchor, best known for his dynamic political reporting and analysis on CNN. Renowned for his expertise in election coverage and his innovative use of data visualization, King has become a trusted face in political journalism, especially for viewers in the United States and worldwide. His career spans decades, marked by numerous achievements, a significant media presence, and a reputation for insightful, unbiased reporting.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

John King was born on August 30, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts. Raised in a working-class Irish-American family, King developed a keen interest in current events and storytelling from a young age. He attended local schools in Boston before enrolling at the University of Rhode Island, where he majored in journalism. His early exposure to the diverse cultural and political landscape of Boston played a significant role in shaping his analytical approach to news reporting.

Career Journey

Beginnings

John King started his journalism career in 1985 as a writer for the Associated Press (AP). His dedication and sharp reporting skills quickly propelled him through the ranks.

Milestones & Achievements

• Appointed chief political correspondent at AP, covering presidential campaigns and major political events.
• Joined CNN in 1997, initially as a senior White House correspondent.
• Known for his clear explanations of complex political issues and his signature use of the “Magic Wall” touchscreen for election analysis.
• Anchored several key programs, including Inside Politics and State of the Union.
• Covered every U.S. presidential election since 1992, earning respect for his objective and insightful reporting.

Recent Activity & Current Position

• As of 2025, King continues to host Inside Politics, offering in-depth analysis and interviews with top political figures.
• Frequently appears as a lead analyst during major political events and breaking news coverage on CNN.

Career Stats & Recognition

• Over 40 years in journalism
• Multiple awards for political reporting
• Recognized as one of the most influential political journalists in America

Personal Life

John King’s personal life has often attracted media attention. He was married to CNN anchor Dana Bash from 2008 to 2012. The couple shares a son, Jonah. King also has a daughter from a previous relationship. Known for his privacy, King rarely discusses his family publicly but is open about his passion for travel, reading, and following American politics. He is also involved in various community initiatives related to journalism and press freedom.

Awards & Achievements

• National Headliner Award for political reporting
• Associated Press Managing Editors’ Award
• Emmy Award nominations for election coverage
• Edward R. Murrow Award (team coverage)

Physical Statistics

• Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 85 kg (187 lbs)
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: Gray
• Body Build: Average
• Shoe Size: 11 (US) (estimated)
• Sexuality: Straight

Quotes

“Facts matter. Context matters. Our job is to give people the full story.”

“In politics, the only constant is change.”

“Election nights are like the Super Bowl for journalists.”

Controversies

While John King is widely respected for his professionalism, he has occasionally faced criticism for perceived bias during heated political cycles. However, he is generally praised for maintaining a neutral stance and for his commitment to factual reporting.

Favorites

• Favorite Book: “All the President’s Men” by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
• Favorite Sport: Baseball
• Favorite City: Boston
• Favorite Food: New England clam chowder

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, John King’s estimated net worth is $8 million. His annual salary at CNN reportedly ranges between $2 million and $3 million, reflecting his seniority and expertise in the industry. These figures are based on reputable media salary benchmarks and public records.

Interesting Facts

• John King converted to Judaism before marrying Dana Bash.
• He is known for his calm demeanor during high-pressure live broadcasts.
• King is a proud Boston Red Sox fan.
• He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008, a fact he revealed publicly in 2021.
• His “Magic Wall” technology became iconic during U.S. election coverage.

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @JohnKingCNN
• Instagram: @johnkingcnn
• LinkedIn: John King
• Facebook: John King CNN

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is John King?
John King is 62 years old as of 2025. He was born on August 30, 1963.

Who is John King’s wife?
John King was previously married to CNN anchor Dana Bash. They divorced in 2012.

Does John King have children?
Yes, John King has two children: a son with Dana Bash and a daughter from a previous relationship.

What is John King’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $8 million as of 2025.

What is John King famous for?
He is renowned for his political reporting, especially his election coverage and use of the “Magic Wall” on CNN.

Is John King still with CNN?
Yes, as of 2025, John King continues to work as a senior anchor and political analyst at CNN.

Conclusion

John King has established himself as one of the most respected journalists in American media. From his early days in Boston to his influential role at CNN, King’s career is defined by integrity, innovation, and a commitment to factual reporting. His contributions to political journalism continue to shape how audiences understand and engage with current events. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others interested in media and political reporting.

Sources: CNN, The New York Times, Associated Press, The Washington Post, Variety, Forbes