When a host like Carl Higbie appears on a national network like Newsmax, viewers often become curious about the profession itself, including the potential earnings. While the specific salary of any individual employee, including Mr. Higbie, is a private matter between them and their employer, we can perform a detailed analysis of the compensation for a role like his: a prominent Television Host and News Anchor on a national cable news network.
This career path offers significant earning potential, with salaries for on-air talent at major networks often reaching well into the six figures and, for the most recognized personalities, even higher. However, compensation is influenced by a wide range of factors. This article will break down the salary data, influencing factors, and career outlook for a professional news anchor in the United States.
What Does a News Anchor at a Network Like Newsmax Do?
A news anchor or television host is the face of a news broadcast. Far more than simply reading a teleprompter, their role is dynamic and demanding. Key responsibilities include:
- Presenting News: Clearly and effectively delivering news stories, from scripted segments to breaking news events.
- Conducting Interviews: Engaging in insightful and probing interviews with guests, including politicians, experts, and newsmakers.
- Research and Analysis: Staying deeply informed on current events, politics, and the topics central to their show's focus. They often contribute to the editorial direction and writing of their segments.
- Ad-libbing: Thinking quickly on their feet to provide context and commentary during live, unscripted moments.
- Building a Brand: Developing a unique on-air persona and building a loyal audience that tunes in specifically for their perspective and delivery.
A host on a national network like Newsmax is expected to be a subject matter expert who can not only report the news but also drive conversation and analysis.
Average News Anchor Salary
The salary for a news anchor varies dramatically based on market size and experience. A host at a small local station will earn significantly less than a prime-time host on a national network.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for "Broadcast Announcers" was $57,480 as of May 2023. However, this figure includes a vast range of radio and television roles in markets of all sizes. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,560, while the top 10 percent earned more than $176,510.
Reputable salary aggregators provide a more focused look at television news anchors:
- Salary.com reports that the typical salary range for a News Anchor in the United States falls between $60,405 and $97,094, with the average being around $76,012.
- Payscale notes a base salary range from $41,000 to $148,000 per year for News Anchors, heavily dependent on experience and market.
It is crucial to understand that these figures represent the broad average. A nationally recognized host like Carl Higbie, working for a major cable news network, would command a salary at the very top end of this spectrum, and likely well beyond it, due to factors we will explore next.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Compensation in broadcast journalism is not one-size-fits-all. Several key variables determine an anchor's earnings.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant factor. An anchor's career typically progresses through increasingly larger media markets, with each step representing a substantial pay increase.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): Often starts in a small media market (e.g., market rank 100+), earning in the $35,000 to $55,000 range.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): Moves up to a medium or large market (e.g., market rank 20-100), with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $100,000+.
- Senior/National Level (10+ years): An established anchor at a major local affiliate or a national network. At this level, salaries regularly exceed $150,000 and can enter the high six or even seven figures for top-tier talent with significant name recognition.
### Geographic Location
Location in broadcasting is defined by the "Designated Market Area" (DMA). A host in New York City (Market #1) or Los Angeles (Market #2) will earn exponentially more than a host in Glendive, Montana (Market #210). National networks like Newsmax, Fox News, or CNN are headquartered in major media hubs and compensate their talent based on a national, not local, scale. This automatically places their anchors in the highest earnings bracket.
### Company Type
The type of employer is a major differentiator.
- Local Affiliate Stations (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox): Salaries are determined by the station's market size and budget.
- Public Broadcasting (PBS): Compensation is generally more modest compared to commercial broadcasting.
- National Cable News Networks (Newsmax, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News): These organizations have a national and international reach, generate substantial revenue, and compete for top talent. As a result, they offer the highest salaries in the industry to attract and retain hosts who can draw a large viewership.
### Area of Specialization and Brand Value
In modern media, a host's personal brand is a tangible asset. An anchor who is considered a "star" with a large, dedicated following brings immense value to a network. This "star power" is a direct driver of ratings, which in turn drives advertising revenue. Hosts who have a unique specialty, a strong point of view, and a significant social media presence can negotiate much higher salaries. Their compensation reflects not just their role as an employee, but their value as a media personality and a ratings draw.
### Level of Education
A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field is a standard requirement for this profession. While advanced degrees are not typically necessary, a strong educational foundation is the price of entry. However, once in the field, factors like experience and on-air performance have a much greater impact on salary growth than educational attainment alone.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects that employment for "News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists" is expected to decline by 3% from 2022 to 2032. This reflects ongoing consolidation in the broadcast industry and a shift in how audiences consume news.
However, this statistic doesn't tell the whole story. While traditional broadcast roles may be highly competitive, opportunities are expanding in digital platforms, including streaming news channels, podcasting, and online video journalism. Professionals who can build a personal brand and adapt to new media formats will continue to find high-value opportunities.
Conclusion
While we cannot know the exact figure on Carl Higbie's Newsmax contract, we can conclude that a position as a host on a national news network represents the pinnacle of the broadcast journalism profession in terms of compensation.
For anyone considering this career, the key takeaways are:
- Earnings are a spectrum: The salary range is one of the widest of any profession, from modest local beginnings to highly lucrative national contracts.
- Experience is king: The path to a high salary is built by progressing through increasingly larger markets.
- Your brand is your value: At the highest levels, your personal brand and ability to attract an audience are what truly determine your worth.
The journey to becoming a national news anchor is challenging and competitive, but for those with the talent, drive, and dedication, it remains a financially rewarding and highly influential career path.