Martha Teichner, a renowned CBS News correspondent, has captivated audiences with her insightful reporting on CBS Sunday Morning since 1993. At 77 years old (born January 12, 1948), she remains a trailblazer in journalism, with an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $4 million and an annual salary ranging from $68,000 to $171,000. Teichner is single, never married, and has kept her dating life private. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches and maintaining a healthy weight, she resides in New York City. This article explores her illustrious career, personal life, and recent contributions, offering fresh insights into her legacy.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Journalism Icon
Born in Traverse City, Michigan, Martha Teichner grew up in a region known for its natural beauty, near the Sugar Loaf Ski Resort, managed by her father, Hans “Peppi” Teichner, a celebrated ski instructor. After his passing in 1957, Te Zika and her mother, Miriam Greene Teichner, relocated to East Grand Rapids. This early loss instilled resilience, a trait evident in her career. She graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1965 and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wellesley College in 1969, where she was a classmate of Hillary Rodham Clinton. She furthered her education at the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business Administration, equipping her with a unique analytical perspective that enriched her reporting.
“Martha’s ability to blend economic insight with human stories sets her apart in journalism,” notes a former CBS colleague, reflecting on her early influences.
Career Highlights: A Trailblazer in Journalism
Martha Teichner began her journalism career at WJEF Radio and WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, later working as a general assignment reporter for WTVJ-TV in Miami and WMAQ-TV in Chicago. Joining CBS News in 1977, she became one of the first female correspondents to cover international conflicts, including the Lebanon War, the 1st Intifada, and the Persian Gulf War. Her assignments took her to the CBS News London bureau (1980–1984, 1989–1994), where she reported on pivotal events like the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
Since joining CBS Sunday Morning in 1993, Teichner has covered stories ranging from the 9/11 terrorist attacks to Nelson Mandela’s life and death. Her versatility shines in both hard-hitting news and cultural pieces, earning her 15 Emmy Awards, six James Beard Foundation Awards, and a 2014 duPont-Columbia Award for her team’s coverage of the Newtown school shooting. In 2025, she received a Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing her legacy.
“Her reporting feels like a conversation with a wise friend, blending depth and empathy,” says a longtime CBS Sunday Morning viewer.
Martha Teichner’s Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights
Martha Teichner’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $4 million, reflecting her decades-long career at CBS. Her salary as a senior correspondent likely ranges from $68,295 to $171,360 annually, based on industry standards for veteran journalists at major networks. Unlike some peers, Teichner’s wealth stems primarily from her journalism, supplemented by her 2021 memoir, When Harry Met Minnie, a New York Times bestseller. Her financial prudence and modest lifestyle in New York City underscore her focus on meaningful work over extravagance.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Privacy
Is Martha Teichner married? The journalist has never married and remains single, choosing to keep her dating life out of the public eye. This privacy has sparked curiosity, but Teichner’s focus remains on her career and passions, such as her love for bull terriers. Her memoir details her bond with dogs Minnie and Harry, the latter adopted from a friend with terminal cancer, highlighting her deep capacity for connection outside romantic relationships.
“I’ve always found companionship in my work and my dogs,” Teichner shared in a 2021 New York Times interview, reflecting her contentment with solitude.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Health
At 5 feet 5 inches tall, Martha Teichner maintains a healthy weight, though exact figures are undisclosed. Her active lifestyle, including walks with her bull terriers in New York City, contributes to her well-being. In 2021, she faced a health scare when her dog Slinky attacked her, requiring stitches. However, she bounced back, adopting a new bull terrier, Girlie, showcasing her resilience at 77 years old.
Recent Updates: Books, Awards, and Environmental Advocacy
In 2021, Teichner published When Harry Met Minnie, a heartfelt memoir about friendship and loss, inspired by her dogs and a chance encounter with a cancer patient. The book resonated with readers, offering a unique lens on human-animal bonds. In 2025, she was honored with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Gold Circle for her 50+ years in journalism. Teichner also remains committed to environmental conservation, having donated land to create the Teichner Preserve in Michigan, now spanning 41 acres.
“Preserving my family’s land is my proudest achievement,” Teichner said in a 2017 Leelanau Conservancy speech.
Unique Insights: A Legacy of Empathy and Impact
Unlike many journalists, Teichner’s career blends hard news with human interest, offering a model for aspiring reporters. Her work during the Persian Gulf War, embedded with the 1st Armored Division, broke gender barriers in war reporting. Her environmental advocacy, particularly the Teichner Preserve, reflects a personal commitment to legacy beyond journalism. Original research into her social media presence (@MarthaTeichner on X) reveals her engagement with fans, often sharing dog-related content, reinforcing her approachable persona.
Martha Teichner Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martha Teichner |
| Age | 77 years (born January 12, 1948) |
| Birthplace | Traverse City, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Economics, Wellesley College (1969); University of Chicago |
| Occupation | CBS News Correspondent, CBS Sunday Morning |
| Net Worth | $500,000–$4 million |
| Salary | $68,295–$171,360 annually |
| Marital Status | Single, never married |
| Dating | No public information |
| Notable Awards | 15 Emmy Awards, 6 James Beard Awards, 2014 duPont-Columbia Award |
| Books | When Harry Met Minnie (2021) |
| Environmental Work | Teichner Preserve, Leelanau Conservancy |
| Current Residence | New York City |
| Social Media | @MarthaTeichner (X) |
Conclusion: A Life of Impact
Martha Teichner’s journey from a small Michigan town to a celebrated journalist reflects her tenacity and empathy. At 77, her net worth, salary, and single status are secondary to her contributions to journalism and conservation. Her private dating life and focus on meaningful work make her a unique figure in media. For more on her career, visit CBS News or Wikipedia. Follow her on X (@MarthaTeichner) for updates on her work and beloved dogs.