David Brinkley | $2 million (DECEASED)

American television truly had some of the most iconic and influential news reporters in its time. One of them was David Brinkley, a respected veteran and personality in the news. He had a very authentic style of delivery which made him relatable and popular with the audience. His style of writing also captivated the attention of anyone who was listening to him. Indeed, he deserves credit for helping shape the newscasting platform to the way that it currently is today. He earned over $2 million throughout his entire career.

Brinkley went to college at Vanderbilt University before joining the United States Army in 1940. He later came home in search of a radio job only to take a job at NBC News. Brinkley later got his career breakthrough at NBC News as he became its White House correspondent. He then made a move to shift into ABC, wherein he hosted his own show called This Week with David Brinkley until his retirement in 1997. For his outstanding work, Brinkley received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.