Rita Braver Biography
Rita Braver is a retired American television news correspondent who made a name for herself during her extensive career with CBS News, particularly known for her investigative reporting on significant political scandals, like the Iran-Contra affair.
Born Rita Lynn Braver on April 12, 1948, she grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, in a Jewish family. Her teenage years were marked by the loss of her father, a profound event that shaped her early life. She has two sisters, Bettie Braver Sugar and Sharon Braver Cohen.
Rita pursued her education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a degree in political science. She kicked off her journalism journey at WWL-TV in New Orleans, starting as a copy girl before moving to Washington, D.C., with her husband. In 1972, she joined CBS News as a producer, which marked the beginning of her impressive career at the network.
From 1983 to 1993, Rita took on the role of CBS News’ chief law correspondent. During this period, she uncovered major national security and espionage stories, including the revelation of the John Walker spy ring and coverage of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. She was also instrumental in CBS News’ reporting on the Iran-Contra affair, one of the most pivotal political controversies of the 1980s.
Later on, Rita became CBS News’ chief White House correspondent during Bill Clinton’s first presidential term. In 1998, she transitioned to the position of chief national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning, where she explored a variety of national stories, cultural issues, and human-interest features.
After an impressive career spanning over five decades, Rita Braver retired from CBS News on March 30, 2025, wrapping up a remarkable journey in broadcast journalism.
Rita Braver Age
How old is Rita? She is 78 years old as of 2026. Rita was born on April 12, 1948, in Silver Springs, Maryland, in the United States of America. Besides, she celebrates her birthday on the 12th of April each year.
Rita Braver Education
Braver was enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, after finishing her High School studies. While there, Rita graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
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Rita Braver Nationality
Rita is of American nationality and citizenship. In addition, Rita was born and grew up in Silver Springs, Maryland, in the United States of America. Besides, she belongs to the white heritage.
Rita Braver Height | Measurements
Rita stands approximately at the height of 5 feet 5 inches (Approx. 1.65 m) tall, as Rita is a woman of average stature. However, she has not shared any details regarding her other body measurements in the public domain.
Rita Braver Family | Parents
Braver was born and grew up in Silver Springs, Maryland, in the United States under the loving care of her Jewish parents. Sadly, she lost her father when she was still young. Besides, she was brought up along with her two sisters called Bettie Braver and Sharon Braver. However, she has not revealed any details concerning her parents’ identity in public places. Thus, our team is still investigating this section and we will update this as soon as possible.
Rita Braver Husband | Death
She was recently married to her beloved late husband, Robert Barnett. Robert was a dedicated lawyer based in Washington D.C. The couple tied the knot on April 10, 1972, sharing their wedding vows with joy. They welcomed a daughter, Meredith Jane Barnett, in 1978, who later married Daniel Ross Penn in a beautiful Jewish ceremony in Washington D.C. on April 6, 2008. Tragically, Robert Barnett passed away in 2025.
Rita Braver Salary
Braver is well-known for her effort, hard work, and determination in her career. Therefore, she made quite a generous amount which could be around $220,000.
Rita Braver’s Net Worth
Having worked in the media industry for quite some time now, Rita has been able to accumulate a decent amount of income over the years. Therefore, her estimated net worth is $3 million.
Rita Braver Parkinson’s | Health
Parkinson’s disease confers to a brain disorder that results in stiffness, shaking, and difficulty in walking. Besides, the patients lose balance and coordination. Furthermore, its symptoms usually start gradually and worsen over time as the disease progresses and with time, the patient develops difficulty in walking and talking.
Rita Braver CBS News | Retired (1972-2025)
Braver is a retired American television news correspondent who made a name for herself during her extensive career with CBS News, particularly known for her investigative reporting on significant political scandals, like the Iran-Contra affair.
Rita pursued her education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a degree in political science. She kicked off her journalism journey at WWL-TV in New Orleans, starting as a copy girl before moving to Washington, D.C., with her husband. In 1972, she joined CBS News as a producer, which marked the beginning of her impressive career at the network.
From 1983 to 1993, Rita took on the role of CBS News’ chief law correspondent. During this period, she uncovered major national security and espionage stories, including the revelation of the John Walker spy ring and coverage of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. She was also instrumental in CBS News’ reporting on the Iran-Contra affair, one of the most pivotal political controversies of the 1980s.
Later on, Rita became CBS News’ chief White House correspondent during Bill Clinton’s first presidential term. In 1998, she transitioned to the position of chief national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning, where she explored a variety of national stories, cultural issues, and human-interest features.
After an impressive career spanning over five decades, Rita Braver retired from CBS News on March 30, 2025, wrapping up a remarkable journey in broadcast journalism.
Career
Rita Braver has made quite a name for herself as a national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning. She’s tackled a wide array of topics, from the arts and entertainment scene to politics, culture, and international affairs. Her reporting shines a light on both significant national issues and those heartwarming human-interest stories, giving viewers a chance to dive into the lives of influential figures and the latest social trends.
Over the years, Braver has had the opportunity to interview a host of notable personalities, including presidents, cabinet members, authors, entertainers, and global leaders. For CBS Sunday Morning, she’s profiled key political figures like former President Bill Clinton, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, and former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. Her literary segments have featured celebrated authors such as Philip Roth, E. L. Doctorow, and the beloved children’s author Dav Pilkey, who is famous for the Captain Underpants series.
Braver has also chatted with many famous entertainers, including James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, and Chrissy Teigen.
Before her time on CBS Sunday Morning, Braver was the chief White House correspondent for CBS News from 1993 to 1997. In that capacity, she covered a wide range of political issues, both domestic and international, traveled extensively with President Bill Clinton, followed his re-election campaign, and reported live from the Democratic National Convention. During her years at the White House, she was also a regular on Face the Nation, often guest-hosting the show.
Earlier in her career, Braver spent a decade as CBS News’ chief law correspondent from 1983 to 1993. She contributed to major programs like CBS Evening News, CBS Morning News, 48 Hours, Street Stories, and Public Eye. Her reporting focused on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Justice Department, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the DEA.
Braver was a key figure in CBS News’ coverage of the Iran–Contra affair during the Reagan era and also reported on the highly publicized drug trial of former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry. She made headlines by breaking significant espionage stories related to the John Walker spy ring and the convicted spy Jonathan Pollard.
Her journey with CBS News kicked off in 1972 when she became a news desk editor in the network’s Washington bureau. Prior to that, she launched her journalism career at WWL-TV in New Orleans, where she gained valuable newsroom experience that paved the way for her long and impactful broadcasting career.
