Bill O’Reilly is an American television host, political commentator, and bestselling author whose sharp commentary defined prime-time news for decades.
Best known for The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News, he became one of the most recognized and well-paid figures in U.S. media.
O’Reilly grew up in a working-class Irish-American family and developed an early interest in journalism.
After decades in mainstream television, he now runs his own digital media platform, continuing to write and produce commentary through online and radio formats.
You don’t need to look anywhere else; just scroll down to know everything about his life, wealth, and controversies.
Bill O’Reilly’s Personal Life
| Aspect | Information |
| Full Name | William James O’Reilly Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1949; New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | B.A. in History from Marist College; M.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, M.P.A. from Harvard Kennedy School |
| Profession | Television Host, Author, Commentator |
| Spouse | Maureen E. McPhilmy (1996 – 2011, divorced) |
| Children |
Madeline O’Reilly and Spencer O’Reilly |
Bill O’Reilly’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Bill O’Reilly’s net worth is estimated between $75 million and $90 million.
The most common figure cited by financial outlets is about $85 million.
His fortune stems primarily from:
- High television salaries during his Fox News career
- Royalties from bestselling books such as Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy
- Income from podcast subscriptions and digital streaming
- Speaking engagements and syndication rights
Even after leaving Fox News in 2017, he continued to earn from book sales and his digital network.
His shift toward self-production allowed him to retain a greater share of profits, sustaining his financial stability.
Bill O’Reilly’s Television Hosting History
Bill O’Reilly began reporting for local stations in Pennsylvania, Dallas, and Boston before moving to national news.
| Network / Program | Role | Years Active |
| WFAA-TV, Dallas / KDFW-TV | Reporter / Anchor | 1970s – 1980s |
| CBS News | Correspondent | Mid-1980s |
| ABC News | Correspondent | Late 1980s |
| Inside Edition (Syndicated) | Host | 1989 – 1995 |
| Fox News – The O’Reilly Factor | Host | 1996 – 2017 |
| No Spin News (Independent) | Host | 2017 – Present |
Bill O’Reilly’s Salary, Books, and Other Ventures
Bill O’Reilly continues to earn through multiple sources, including television contracts, bestselling books, digital programs, and public speaking engagements that extend his media reach.
1. Salary as a Television Host
During his peak years at Fox News, Bill O’Reilly earned around $18 million annually, with reports suggesting that his contracts reached as high as $25 million per year before his 2017 departure.
His long-running show, The O’Reilly Factor, dominated cable news ratings for more than fifteen years, establishing him as one of the highest-paid figures in American television.
After leaving Fox News, O’Reilly began making regular guest appearances on Newsmax TV, where he provides political analysis and commentary similar to his Fox-era style.
2. Income from Books
O’Reilly has authored more than a dozen bestselling books, most notably his Killing Series, which sold millions of copies worldwide.
The royalties and continued sales from these books remain a steady source of income, making him one of the most commercially successful nonfiction writers in the country.
In 2025, Bill O’Reilly’s new book “Confronting Evil: Assessing the Worst of the Worst” was released, examining history’s most notorious figures and modern global threats.
3. O’Reilly’s Podcasts and Digital Presence
Bill O’Reilly continues his commentary through No Spin News, a podcast and video program available on his official website and popular streaming platforms.
The show covers current events, politics, and media issues in his familiar direct style.
He also uploads highlights and short clips for on-demand listeners who prefer shorter segments.
His podcasts allow him to stay active in journalism, directly connecting with audiences without network limitations.
Connection Between Bill O’Reilly and Donald Trump
The long-running professional relationship and shared political views have kept O’Reilly and Trump closely linked in the public eye.
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Public Relations: Bill O’Reilly and Donald Trump have shared a professional connection for years. Trump often appeared on The O’Reilly Factor, where he discussed his views on politics and media.
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Political Alignment: Though not an official supporter, O’Reilly’s opinions often align with Trump’s conservative stance on immigration, media bias, and U.S. policies. His coverage of Trump has generally been favorable.
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Post-Fox Collaboration: In 2021, they launched the “History Tour,” a live event series discussing Trump’s presidency. It showcased both O’Reilly’s enduring influence and Trump’s loyal following.
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Current Standing: O’Reilly continues to discuss Trump’s political activities on No Spin News, maintaining a mostly supportive yet occasionally critical perspective on his leadership.
Bill O’Reilly’s Controversies and Scandals
In 2017, The New York Times revealed that Bill O’Reilly and Fox News had paid several settlements related to harassment allegations totaling about $13 million.
Following these reports, Fox News ended his contract in April 2017.
The events caused reputational and professional setbacks, yet O’Reilly denied any wrongdoing and emphasized his record of audience success.
Since then, he has shifted toward independent broadcasting, operating outside traditional media networks.
Financially, while the controversies halted his network salary, they did not end his publishing or podcasting revenues, which continue to perform strongly.
Conclusion
Bill O’Reilly’s career reflects both the power and complexity of modern media.
From his rise at Fox News to building his independent platform, he has remained a dominant figure in political commentary.
With a net worth of around $85 million, his earnings continue through books, podcasts, and guest appearances on Newsmax TV.
His bestselling Killing Series and No Spin News podcast keep him relevant among audiences who value his direct style.
Despite controversies, O’Reilly’s influence endures, showing how adaptability and a strong voice can sustain a media career across decades.
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