Martha Raddatz was born on February 14, 1953 (Age: 73 years old), in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She has spent decades covering some of the most important stories in U.S. politics, foreign affairs, and military conflicts. 

As ABC News’ Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, she has reported from war zones, moderated political debates, and conducted hard-hitting interviews with world leaders. Her career has also contributed to her financial success, with her net worth estimated to be in the millions.

From breaking major news stories to moderating historic debates, Raddatz has built a career based on strong reporting and in-depth analysis. If you’re curious to know more about her life, work, and achievements, you can read her full biography here.

Martha Raddatz Wiki & Early Life

Martha Raddatz Wiki
Full NameMartha Raddatz
ProfessionJournalist, Author, Television Anchor
Age73 years old
Date of BirthFebruary 14, 1953
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac/Sun SignAquarius
BirthplaceIdaho Falls, Idaho, U.S.
Current AddressWashington, D.C., U.S.

Martha Raddatz Husband, Children

Martha Raddatz with her Son

Martha Raddatz is currently married to journalist Tom Gjelten. Before that, she was married to Julius Genachowski (in 1991) and Ben Bradlee Jr. (in 1979).

She has two children – a son, Jake Genachowski, and a daughter, Greta Bradlee.

Relationship StatusMarried
HusbandTom Gjelten (Journalist)
Ex-husband: Julius Genachowski(m. 1991)
Ex-husband: Ben Bradlee Jr.(m. 1979)
Children Son: Jake GenachowskiDaughter: Greta Bradlee

Martha Raddatz Family

Martha Raddatz with her Mother

Martha Raddatz was born to Edward Dustin Raddatz and Doris Elaine (née Anderson). She also has a sister, though not much is publicly known about her.

Parent’s NameFather: Edward Dustin Raddatz
Mother: Doris Elaine (née Anderson)
SiblingsSister

Martha Raddatz Education

Martha Raddatz went to East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. She later attended the University of Utah, but details about her highest qualification are yet to be updated.

SchoolEast High School, Salt Lake City, Utah
Alma MaterUniversity of Utah
Highest QualificationYet to be updated

Martha Raddatz Career

Martha Raddatz has built a distinguished career in journalism, marked by significant roles and impactful reporting. Here’s a step-by-step look at her professional journey:

Early Reporting Days

Before 1993, Raddatz served as the chief correspondent at WCVB-TV, [1]  the ABC News affiliate in Boston. This role laid the foundation for her future endeavors in journalism.

Covering the Pentagon for NPR

From 1993 to 1998, she reported on the Pentagon for National Public Radio (NPR) [2], focusing on defense and military affairs.

Joining ABC News

In 1999, Raddatz became ABC News’ State Department correspondent. By May 2003, she advanced to senior national security correspondent, reporting extensively from Iraq. [3]

Authorship

She authored “The Long Road Home: A Story of War and Family,” [4] detailing the Siege of Sadr City in Iraq. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a TV miniseries on NatGeo in late 2017.

White House Correspondent

Raddatz served as ABC’s chief White House correspondent during the final term of President George W. Bush, providing insights into the administration’s policies and decisions.

Moderating Political Debates

In October 2012, she moderated the Vice-Presidential debate between Paul Ryan and Joe Biden at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. She also co-moderated the second presidential debate in 2016 between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump at Washington University in St. Louis.

Current Role

As of November 2008, Raddatz holds the position of ABC’s Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent, [5] continuing to report on global events and issues.

Awards

Martha Raddatz has been recognized with several prestigious awards for her work in journalism. She has reported on critical global events, moderated political debates, and provided in-depth coverage of military and national security issues. Below is a list of some of the awards she has received over the years.

YearAward NameReason
2021News & Documentary Emmy AwardRecognized for Outstanding Live Coverage of a Current News Story – Long Form. [6]
2012First Amendment AwardHonored for excellence in journalism by the Radio Television Digital News Foundation. [7]
2012Walter Cronkite AwardAcknowledged for excellence in political journalism, with a commendation for debate moderation. [8]
2016Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast JournalismAwarded for outstanding contributions to broadcast journalism. [9]
2018George Catlett Marshall MedalRecognized for sustained commitment to the men and women of America’s armed forces. [10]

Martha Raddatz Controversies

Martha Raddatz has had a long career in journalism, but some of her work has sparked debates and criticism. She has been accused of bias, downplaying certain issues, and taking controversial stances during interviews. Below are some of the key moments that have led to public discussions.

YearControversyDetails
2012Debate Moderation and Allegations of BiasRaddatz moderated the VP debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan. Critics accused her of bias due to President Obama attending her 1991 wedding, though many defended her neutrality. [11]
2022Interview with Governor Greg AbbottRaddatz challenged Abbott’s use of the term “open borders,” stating Biden never explicitly encouraged illegal migration. Critics claimed she downplayed migration policies. [12]
2024Exchange with Senator JD VanceIn October 2024, Raddatz interviewed Senator JD Vance and called reports of Venezuelan gangs taking over Colorado apartments “limited to a handful.” Vance and others criticized her for downplaying security concerns. [13]

Martha Raddatz Net Worth, Salary

Martha Raddatz has an estimated net worth of around $20 million, and she reportedly earns a salary of $2 million per year.

Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.)$20 million
Salary (Approx.)$2 million

Martha Raddatz Height, Weight & Physical Stats

Martha Raddatz Height

Martha Raddatz stands at 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall. She maintains a weight of around 54 kg (119 lbs).

Her body measurements are 34-25-35 inches, reflecting a well-proportioned figure. She has blonde hair that complements her sharp and insightful reporting style, along with green eyes that add to her distinct look.

HeightIn centimeters: 167 cm
In meters: 1.67 m
In feet & inches: 5 feet 6 inches
WeightIn kg: 54 kg
In lbs: 119 lbs
Body Measurements34-25-35 inches
Hair ColourBlonde
Eye ColourGreen

Martha Raddatz Instagram, X, Facebook

InstagramInstagram Profile martharaddatz
XX (Twitter) Icon @MarthaRaddatz
FacebookFacebook Profile MarthaRaddatz
LinkedInLinkedIn Profile martha-raddatz

Interesting Facts About Martha Raddatz

  1. In 2011, she informed her son about Osama bin Laden’s death before it was publicly announced, swearing him to secrecy. 
  2. She once flew in an F-15E fighter jet during a bombing mission, experiencing combat firsthand. 
  3. Her wedding to Julius Genachowski in 1991 was attended by former President Barack Obama. 
  4. She used Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’ Dirty” as her cellphone ringtone, which once went off during a White House press briefing. [14]
  5. She appeared as herself in a 2017 episode of the TV series “Homeland,” interviewing the President-elect. 

FAQs

How old is Martha Raddatz?

Martha Raddatz is 73 years old.

What is Martha Raddatz’s height?

Martha Raddatz stands at 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall.

What is Martha Raddatz’s Net Worth?

Her net worth is approximately $20 million.

What is Martha Raddatz’s salary?

Her salary is around $2 million.

References
  1. WCVB
  2. npr
  3. ABC NEWS
  4. Google Books
  5. HWA
  6. IMDB
  7. RTDNA
  8. Goldsmith Awards
  9. NPF
  10. AUSA
  11. HUFFPOST
  12. JONATHAN TURLEY
  13. NEW YORK POST
  14. MENTAL FLOSS