From 1967 to 2009, Sam Donaldson was an anchor for ABC News. The first time was from 1977 to 1989, and the second was from 1997 to 1999, both as the network’s official White House reporter. Donaldson was also a regular on the panel and co-anchor of “This Week,” ABC’s Sunday morning political affairs show.
Sam left ABC News for good in 2013. Donaldson has been honored with numerous accolades in the broadcasting industry, including the Edward R. Murrow Award, four Emmys, and three Peabodys.
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Sam Donaldson Early Life And Education
On March 11, 1934, in El Paso, Texas, the son of farmer Samuel Sr. and teacher Chloe Donaldson was born. He grew up in Chamberino, New Mexico, on the family farm. Donaldson attended the New Mexico Military Institute and later transferred to Texas Western College. He managed KTEP, the campus radio station, at the latter institution.
Military Service And Career Beginnings
Donaldson joined the United States Army back in 1956. After that, he stayed in the military as an artillery officer until 1959, eventually rising to the rank of captain.
Upon his return to civilian life, Donaldson found employment at KRLD-TV, a CBS television affiliate in Dallas, Texas, where he remained for a year after his release.
He then uprooted to the Big Apple in search of a job in broadcast journalism but was ultimately unsuccessful. In early 1961, Donaldson found greater fortune in Washington, DC, when he was employed by WTOP-TV.
He reported on key national and international stories for the station, such as Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign and the arguments in the Senate over the civil rights law. Donaldson was also the main man behind the microphone for Saturday and Sunday night newscasts.
In Sam Donaldson’s 52 years as a reporter, he strived for complete independence. Now, for the first time, the retired correspondent is endorsing a candidate for federal office — Michael Bloomberg. Here’s what he told @andersoncooper pic.twitter.com/tLjKJdAFPo
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 15, 2020
Sam Donaldson Net Worth
Sam Donaldson is an ex-American reporter and news anchor who is now worth $50 million.
Sam Donaldson Personal Life
Donaldson’s marital history includes several failed attempts. Patricia Oates was his first wife, and they were together from 1954 to 1962. After that, he had a long and happy marriage to Billie Kay Butler, lasting from 1963 to 1980. Donaldson married Janice C. Smith in 1983, and they separated in 2014.
The next year, he tied the knot with Sandra Martorelli. Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to the pair. Donaldson’s four kids are named Samuel, Jennifer, Thomas, and Robert, and they come from his two marriages.
Federal Aid Scandals
A federal grant scandal surfaced in 1995, and Donaldson was named as one of the wealthy, absentee recipients. As an example, he had been absent from the farm that he had earned nearly $200,000 in mohair subsidies.
Less than a year later, Donaldson was embroiled in yet another federal aid incident after it was revealed that he had used excessive public resources to shoot numerous wild species on his property. Of course, this also infuriated many who are concerned about animal welfare.
Ranch
Sam has been the proud owner and manager of a 27,000-acre cattle ranch in Lincoln County, New Mexico for over three decades.
In July of 2005, Cody Posey, then 14, shot and killed his father, mother, and sister; he then killed himself. After his arrest, Cody was placed in a juvenile facility where he would remain until he turned 21. As of 2010, he was no longer in custody. TheActiveNews.Com is the place to go for the latest information.