Hadas Gold, born February 25, 1988, is a prominent CNN media and business reporter based in Jerusalem. At 37 years old, she has built a remarkable career covering global politics, media, and business. Married to economist Christopher Alex Hooton since 2017, Gold is a mother of one. Her net worth is estimated between $1-5 million, with an annual salary ranging from $75,000 to $150,000. This article explores her biography, career, married life, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her professional journey and personal milestones.
Early Life and Background: Hadas Gold’s Roots and Age
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Hadas Gold, now 37 years old, grew up in a Jewish family with parents Daphna Gold, a Hebrew teacher, and Yoram Gold, an Israeli Defense Forces veteran and project manager. At age three, her family relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, shaping her multicultural perspective. This blend of Israeli and American influences fueled her passion for journalism, inspired by her parents’ love for NPR and shows like 60 Minutes. Gold’s early exposure to global issues set the stage for her career, giving her a unique lens to cover international conflicts and media dynamics.
Her education at Desert Mountain High School (graduated 2006) and George Washington University, where she earned a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Media and Public Affairs, laid a strong foundation. While at university, she honed her skills as a news and feature editor for The GW Hatchet, earning accolades from the Society for Professional Journalists and the Associated College Press.
Career Journey: From Intern to CNN Correspondent
Hadas Gold’s career began with internships at prestigious outlets like 60 Minutes, PolitiFact, and Cox Newspapers. These experiences sharpened her reporting skills and led to a role as a freelance producer for NTN 24, a Colombian TV network. In 2012, she joined Politico as a web producer, quickly rising to media reporter and leading the On The Media blog during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Her incisive coverage earned her recognition as one of Mediaite’s most influential media reporters in 2017.
Since joining CNN in 2017, Gold has reported from London and Jerusalem, covering media, tech, and politics. Her work during the 2021 Hamas-Israel conflict and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks earned her and the CNN team an Emmy Award for Breaking News Coverage and an Overseas Press Club award. Reporting under live rocket fire, she provided firsthand accounts of escalating violence, offering viewers a raw, unfiltered perspective. Her ability to navigate complex geopolitical stories with clarity has solidified her reputation as a trusted voice in journalism.
“Reporting from conflict zones requires not just courage but a commitment to truth, even when the story is messy and polarizing.” – Hadas Gold, reflecting on her Jerusalem coverage.
Hadas Gold’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Hadas Gold’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million in 2025, accumulated through her extensive career at CNN and Politico. Her salary as a CNN correspondent ranges from $75,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience and assignments. This figure aligns with industry standards for senior correspondents at major networks. Unlike some peers, Gold has avoided high-profile endorsements, focusing solely on journalism, which adds authenticity to her financial success. Her wealth reflects years of dedication, from internships to covering global crises, making her a standout in the field.
Married Life and Dating History: Hadas Gold’s Personal Story
Hadas Gold married Dr. Christopher Alex Hooton, a chief economist at the Internet Association and a senior scholar at George Washington University, on April 2, 2017, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The couple met through mutual friends in 2012 at a Washington, D.C., party, and their wedding, officiated by a close friend, was an intimate desert foothills ceremony. They welcomed a son in 2020, a milestone Gold shared during a 2020 Q&A, expressing excitement about balancing motherhood with her demanding career.
Gold keeps her dating history private, with no public records of past relationships before Hooton. Her focus on family and career suggests a preference for stability over the public eye, a contrast to many media personalities. This discretion has endeared her to fans who value her authenticity.
“Finding balance between reporting from war zones and raising a child is the ultimate test of resilience.” – A reflection inspired by Gold’s journey as a working mother.
Recent Updates and Unique Insights
In 2025, Hadas Gold continues to report on Israel-Palestine tensions, focusing on the rise of new militant groups and Israel’s judicial overhaul protests. Her recent coverage of Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial has drawn global attention, showcasing her ability to unpack complex political narratives. Unlike many journalists, Gold’s multilingual skills (English, Hebrew, Spanish) give her an edge in sourcing and storytelling, allowing her to connect with diverse communities.
A unique angle is her unexpected social media influence: MacKenzie Scott, the world’s richest woman, follows only Gold on X (@hadas_gold), highlighting her impact beyond traditional journalism. This phenomenon underscores her ability to resonate with influential figures, likely due to her nuanced reporting on global issues.
Challenges and Resilience: Facing Anti-Semitic Threats
In 2016, Gold faced anti-Semitic threats alongside journalists like Jake Tapper and Ben Shapiro. These incidents, reported to the police by her Politico boss, underscored the risks of being a Jewish journalist in the public eye. Gold’s resilience in continuing her work despite these challenges reflects her commitment to truth-telling, a trait that defines her career.
Hadas Gold Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hadas Gold |
| Age | 37 (Born February 25, 1988) |
| Birthplace | Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Nationality | American, Jewish |
| Education | B.A. Journalism, M.A. Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University |
| Parents | Daphna Gold (Mother), Yoram Gold (Father) |
| Marital Status | Married to Christopher Alex Hooton (2017) |
| Children | One son (born 2020) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65m) |
| Net Worth | $1-5 million (estimated 2025) |
| Salary | $75,000-$150,000 annually (CNN correspondent) |
| Current Role | CNN Media and Business Correspondent, Jerusalem |
| Previous Roles | Politico Media Reporter, NTN 24 Freelance Producer |
| Awards | Emmy Award (2023), Overseas Press Club Award (2023) |
| Social Media | X: @hadas_gold |
| Languages | English, Hebrew, Spanish |
| Notable Recognition | Mediaite’s Most Influential Media Reporter (2017) |
Why Hadas Gold Stands Out
Gold’s ability to report from conflict zones while maintaining a grounded personal life sets her apart. Her multilingual background and firsthand experience in Jerusalem provide a depth of insight rare in modern journalism. Unlike many reporters, she avoids sensationalism, focusing on factual, empathetic storytelling. Her journey from Tel Aviv to CNN’s global stage is a testament to hard work and adaptability, inspiring aspiring journalists worldwide.
For more on her career, visit CNN’s official page or her Wikipedia profile. Follow her updates on X.
