Tucker Carlson is a well-known American political commentator, author, and media personality. His current net worth is estimated at $50 million, reflecting his long-standing career in television and journalism. Carlson’s rise in the media world includes roles at CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. He has also made significant financial gains outside of television through ventures like his co-founding of The Daily Caller.
Career Timeline and Rise to Fame
Carlson began his career in journalism as a print journalist, contributing to outlets such as The Weekly Standard and New York Magazine. In 2000, he made the transition to television, joining CNN as a co-host for the political debate show Crossfire. His sharp and sometimes provocative conservative views earned him a reputation, particularly after his heated interview with comedian Jon Stewart, which many believe contributed to the cancellation of Crossfire.
In 2005, Carlson moved to MSNBC, where he hosted a show from 2005 to 2008. However, his most significant career shift came in 2009 when he joined Fox News. By 2016, Carlson had taken over the highly coveted 8 p.m. prime-time slot, hosting Tucker Carlson Tonight. His show quickly became a ratings powerhouse, surpassing even The O’Reilly Factor in viewership.
Tucker’s Salary and Contract at Fox News
At the peak of his career at Fox News, Tucker Carlson was earning $10 million annually. He started his Fox journey with a salary of $2 million, which quickly grew to $6 million as he gained prominence. Carlson’s contract saw another major increase in February 2021 when he signed a three-year extension that raised his salary to $10 million. The new deal also included his podcast, Tucker Carlson Originals, as well as other special projects.
Before his sudden departure in April 2023, Carlson had been in talks with Fox to negotiate a new deal. However, his unexpected firing marked the end of his tenure at the network. Carlson had been negotiating to stay at Fox until 2029, but his departure left many questions unanswered.
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What Happened After His Departure from Fox?
Tucker Carlson’s firing on April 24, 2023, the media industry. Just a week earlier, Fox News had paid $787.5 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems. Carlson’s exit came soon after this settlement. Interestingly, on the same day, CNN’s Don Lemon was also unexpectedly fired, adding to the media storm.
Carlson’s departure from Fox News raised questions about his financial future. His contract was worth $10 million per year, with roughly 2.5 years remaining. Fox could have opted to avoid paying him the remainder of his salary if they could prove he was fired for cause. Alternatively, the network might have kept him under contract, preventing him from joining any rival outlets. However, Carlson made a bold choice: he decided to forgo the $25 million owed to him by leaving Fox News to start a new show on Twitter, signaling his desire to chart a new course independently.
Early Life and Family Background
Tucker Carlson was born in San Francisco and raised primarily in Southern California. His father, Richard Warner Carlson, was a prominent news anchor and U.S. ambassador to the Seychelles. Tucker’s mother left the family when he was six, and his father remarried when he was 10. His stepmother, Patricia Caroline Swanson, was a member of the wealthy Swanson frozen foods family, which significantly impacted Carlson’s upbringing.
Carlson attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, graduating with a degree in history in 1991. His background in history would later influence his work as a commentator and journalist.
Journalism Career and Transition to TV
Carlson’s professional career began in print journalism, contributing to publications like Policy Review and The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He went on to write for major magazines such as Reader’s Digest, The New Republic, and The New York Times Magazine. His transition to television came with his role on CNN’s Crossfire, where he offered a right-wing perspective on political debates.
In 2017, Carlson’s career reached new heights when he took over the 8 p.m. time slot at Fox News, following Bill O’Reilly’s departure. Tucker Carlson Tonight quickly became the highest-rated show on the network, with an average nightly viewership of 3.4 million, surpassing both CNN and MSNBC in total viewership.
Tucker Carlson’s Book Deals
In addition to his television career, Tucker Carlson has been a successful author. Around the time he ascended to prime-time hosting at Fox, Carlson signed a book deal worth $15 million. His books include Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News (2003), Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class Is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution (2018), and The Long Slide: Thirty Years in American Journalism (2021).
These books reflect Carlson’s political views and his critiques of the American political and media. His literary work has garnered both praise and criticism, but it has certainly contributed to his wealth and influence.
Co-Founding The Daily Caller
In 2010, Carlson co-founded The Daily Caller, a conservative news and opinion website, with Neil Patel. The website was created as a counter to more liberal-leaning media outlets, and it quickly became influential in conservative circles. Carlson sold his third of the company to Patel in June 2020 for an undisclosed amount, but the website remains a key part of his legacy in the media world.
Personal Life and Family
Tucker Carlson has been married to Susan Andrews since 1991. They met in high school at St. George’s School in Rhode Island and later married. Together, they have four children. Carlson has spoken publicly about his struggles with dyslexia and his left-handedness, offering insight into his personal life and challenges outside of his professional persona.
Carlson has also been involved in a lawsuit with his brother, Buckley, regarding their late mother’s estate. The legal battle centers around royalty rights from an oil and gas partnership in central California, which were initially thought to be worth a small amount but later valued at millions of dollars. The lawsuit remains unresolved.
Real Estate Investments
Tucker Carlson has invested heavily in real estate, owning multiple properties across the U.S. His primary residences include homes in Florida and Maine, where he splits his time. In 2011, Carlson and his wife purchased a $4 million home in Washington, D.C., which they later sold in 2017 for $2.04 million. In 2017, they bought another house in the D.C. area for nearly $4 million, which they sold in 2020 after protests outside their home.
In 2020, Carlson bought a $2.9 million home on Gasparilla Island in Florida, later purchasing an additional $5.5 million property next door in 2022. These properties, located in the Boca Grande community, represent a significant part of Carlson’s real estate portfolio.
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