Estimated at $3 million and $5 million
Nov 18, 1964
60 years old
Rita Cosby net worth has seen steady growth into 2025, reflecting her enduring career as a radio host and television journalist. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands between $3 million and $5 million, bolstered by her ongoing roles at WABC radio and Newsmax, along with royalties from her bestselling books like Quiet Hero.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 18, 1964, Rita Cosby has built a legacy in media, from anchoring primetime shows on Fox News and MSNBC to her current position as a special correspondent for Inside Edition.
Her family background, rooted in her Polish father’s heroic WWII past, has inspired much of her work. In 2025, Rita Cosby continues to make headlines with her insightful interviews on WABC, covering topics from national security to political scandals, while maintaining her status as a best selling author and award-winning correspondent.
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Rita Cosby (born Rita Karen Cosby) |
Birthday | November 18, 1964 |
Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Television news anchor, radio host, correspondent, author |
Family | Father: Richard Cosby (Ryszard Kossobudzki, Polish WWII Resistance fighter); Mother: Danish immigrant; No siblings mentioned; Married to Tomaczek Bednarek (as of recent updates) |
Career Highlights | Anchored Fox News Live with Rita (1995-2005); Hosted Rita Cosby Live on MSNBC (2005-2007); Special correspondent for CBS syndicated program Inside Edition; Co-hosts “Cats & Cosby” on WABC radio; Hosts “Saturday Report” on Newsmax; Authored two New York Times bestsellers: Blonde Ambition and Quiet Hero; Won three Emmys, Jack Anderson Award for investigative excellence, Matrix Award, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Lech Walesa Freedom Award; Declared Rita Cosby Day in New York (October 11, 2010) |
Rita Cosby began her journey in media with humble roots, freelancing for her local paper in Greenwich, Connecticut, where she grew up after her family background moved from Brooklyn. Graduating from the University of South Carolina with bachelor’s degrees in journalism, she interned at CBS Evening News under Dan Rather, setting the stage for a prolific career.
From 1995 to 2005, she served as a senior correspondent at Fox News, hosting The Big Story Weekend Edition with Rita and Fox News Live with Rita Cosby, where she covered groundbreaking stories like the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the release of American POWs during the NATO bombing in Belgrade.
Her transition to MSNBC in 2005 marked a high point, with Rita Cosby Live becoming the network’s top-rated show that year. Cosby also interviewed high-profile figures such as Mike Tyson, Michael Jackson, and serial killer David Berkowitz. By 2025, Rita Cosby net worth benefits from her versatile roles, including as a special correspondent for the CBS syndicated program Inside Edition, where she focuses on political newsmakers.
As of 2025, Rita Cosby net worth is estimated at $3 million to $5 million, according to various sources like Next Net Worth Magazine and PeopleAI. This net worth accumulation stems from her decades-long career in broadcasting, book royalties, and speaking engagements. Her salary as a radio host at WABC and host on Newsmax contributes significantly, with annual earnings potentially in the six figures.
Factors influencing her estimated net worth include:
In 2025, amid economic shifts, her net worth remains stable, supported by her active media presence.
Rita Cosby was born in Brooklyn but raised in affluent Greenwich, Connecticut. Her family background is compelling: her father, Richard Cosby (originally Ryszard Kossobudzki), was a Polish Resistance fighter who immigrated to the U.S. after WWII, bringing tales of heroism that later inspired her book Quiet Hero.
Her Danish mother added a multicultural flair to her upbringing. Cosby was born into a household that valued resilience and justice, traits evident in her journalism.
At age 5, Rita Cosby defended a classmate against bullies, foreshadowing her fearless reporting style. She attended Greenwich High School and pursued journalism at the University of South Carolina, where she honed her skills.
Quiet Hero: Secrets from My Father’s Past details her father’s wartime struggles, becoming a bestseller and raising funds for the USO. This personal narrative has shaped Rita Cosby‘s focus on military and veteran stories.
From local Fox affiliates like KERO-TV in Bakersfield to national stardom, Rita Cosby‘s milestones include being the first journalist to see Guantanamo Bay prisoners and interviewing world leaders like Yasser Arafat and Ariel Sharon.
She co-hosted the National Memorial Day Parade broadcast since 2009 and appeared on Israel’s “The Ambassador” discussing foreign policy.
On radio, she hosts The Rita Cosby Show on 77 WABC, interviewing figures like Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump. Currently a special correspondent, her work on Newsmax‘s “Saturday Report” keeps her relevant in 2025.
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5’1.5″ (156 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 125 lbs (57 kg) (estimated based on public appearances) |
Eye Color | Blue |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Body Measurements | Not publicly detailed; maintains a professional, fit appearance |
Rita Cosby‘s physical appearance exudes confidence, with her signature blonde hair and poised demeanor suiting her on-camera roles.
Rita Cosby is a best selling author with two notable books. Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith’s Death, released in 2007, became a New York Times bestseller but sparked controversy, leading to a $60 million libel lawsuit by Howard K. Stern. Cosby and her publisher settled in 2009 under confidential terms of the settlement.
Her second book, Quiet Hero, published in 2010, chronicles her father’s WWII heroism and became a bestseller on multiple lists, including USA Today. It earned praise for its emotional depth and supported USO initiatives.
Quiet Hero not only boosted Rita Cosby net worth through sales but also led to honors like a resolution in the South Carolina Legislature, recognizing her exemplary service on behalf of veterans.
Rita Cosby has amassed prestigious awards, including three Emmys for her reporting. She received the Matrix Award for women in communications, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her immigrant heritage contributions, and the Lech Walesa Freedom Award for promoting freedom.
The Jack Anderson Award for investigative excellence highlights her probing journalism.
In 2010, October 11 was declared Rita Cosby Day in the State of New York for her exemplary service on behalf of her community. Cosby also won six Gracie Awards, including “Outstanding Host” and “Best Talk Interview.”
Despite successes, Rita Cosby encountered hurdles, like the 2007 libel suit over Blonde Ambition. In 2024, she sued over an injury at a charity gala, claiming negligence.
Professionally, shifts from MSNBC to independent projects tested her adaptability, but by 2025, she’s thriving at WABC radio and Newsmax.
At WABC, Rita Cosby co-hosts “Cats & Cosby” with John Catsimatidis and hosts The Rita Cosby Show, delivering feisty, fair commentary. In 2025, recent episodes covered topics like the fentanyl crisis, Trump administration clashes, and law enforcement successes, as seen in September broadcasts.
Her WABC radio gig provides steady income, enhancing her net worth through high-profile interviews with guests like Curtis Sliwa.
Platform | Username | Followers | Profile Link |
@ritacosby | 1.3K+ | https://www.instagram.com/ritacosby/ | |
X (Twitter) | @RitaCosby | 87.2K | https://x.com/RitaCosby |
Instagram (Show) | @ritacosbyshow | 678 | https://www.instagram.com/ritacosbyshow/ |
Rita Cosby uses social media to share updates, like her 2024 Normandy D-Day post and 2025 congratulations to political figures.
As a news anchor and correspondent, Rita Cosby has advanced investigative reporting, earning the Anderson Award for investigative excellence.
Her work on CBS syndicated shows like Inside Edition and Big Story Weekend Edition has informed millions. She supports military causes, partnering with the USO via Quiet Hero.
In 2025, her Newsmax role keeps her at the forefront of political discourse.
What is Rita Cosby net worth in 2025?
Estimated between $3 million and $5 million, from media salaries and book royalties.
Who is Rita Cosby’s father?
Richard Cosby, a Polish WWII Resistance fighter whose story inspired Quiet Hero.
What books has Rita Cosby written?
Blonde Ambition (2007) and Quiet Hero (2010), both bestsellers.
Where does Rita Cosby work in 2025?
She hosts on WABC radio, Newsmax, and is a special correspondent for Inside Edition.
What awards has Rita Cosby won?
Three Emmys, Jack Anderson Award, Matrix Award, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and Lech Walesa Freedom Award.
Is Rita Cosby married?
Yes, to Tomaczek Bednarek, though she keeps details private.
How tall is Rita Cosby?
5’1.5″ (156 cm), with a professional, fit appearance.
Rita Cosby net worth in 2025 underscores her remarkable journey from Brooklyn roots to media prominence. With a family background rich in heroism, Rita Cosby has excelled as a radio host at WABC, correspondent for Inside Edition, and author of hits like Quiet Hero.
Her awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and Jack Anderson Award, affirm her impact on journalism and exemplary service. As she continues interviewing leaders on Newsmax and WABC radio, Rita Cosby remains a beacon of resilience, blending personal stories with professional excellence. Her story inspires, proving that dedication builds lasting legacies—and substantial net worth.