Michelle Miller is a highly respected American journalist, national correspondent, and co-host of CBS Saturday Morning, known for her impactful reporting on social justice, national tragedies, and international affairs. Miller has built a remarkable career spanning over three decades, marked by her dedication to uncovering stories of profound human interest and societal importance.
Table of Contents
Who is Michelle Miller?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 57 years |
| Family | Dr. Ross Miller |
| Husband | Marc Morial |
| Children | Mason, Margeaux, and Kamah Morial |
| Net Worth | $3 – $6.2 million |
| Salary | Approximately $3 – $6.2 million annually |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
| Movies and TV Shows | All My Children, Santa Barbara, Moment of Passion (1993) and Dexter Dickie (2000) |
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Early Life and Background
Michelle Miller was born on December 8, 1967, in Los Angeles, California. Miller’s early life was marked by complexity and resilience. She was born to a biracial family under challenging circumstances—her mother, a Chicana hospital administrator who presented as white, abandoned her shortly after birth, partly due to the racial dynamics of the time and her mixed heritage.
Raised primarily by her father, Dr. Ross Miller, a Black trauma surgeon and Compton’s first Black city councilman, and her paternal grandmother in South Central Los Angeles, Miller grew up navigating the nuances of identity in a racially segregated environment. Her father’s role in history is notable; he was the surgeon who attended to Robert F. Kennedy after he was shot in 1968.
Miller’s personal story of abandonment and identity is candidly explored in her 2023 memoir Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Loss and Love, which became a New York Times Best Seller. The memoir chronicles her decades-long quest to find her birth mother and make sense of her biracial identity in a society where she often felt “both too brown to be white and too light to be unquestionably embraced as a Black girl.” This deeply personal narrative has resonated widely, inspiring readers and shedding light on issues of race, family secrets, and self-acceptance.
She pursued her passion for journalism by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Howard University, a prestigious historically Black university known for producing influential journalists. During her undergraduate studies, she broadened her global perspective by studying abroad in Kenya and Tanzania. Furthering her academic credentials, Miller obtained a Master of Science degree in urban studies from the University of New Orleans, equipping her with a deeper understanding of urban issues that would inform her reporting.
Early Career
Miller’s journalism career began with internships and early roles that laid a strong foundation for her future success. In 1988, she interned at ABC News’ “Nightline” and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. She then worked as a writer for the Los Angeles Times from 1989 to 1990.
Transitioning to broadcast journalism, Miller served as an assignment editor, producer, and reporter for the Orange County Newschannel in Santa Ana, California, from 1990 to 1993. Her on-air career took off when she became a reporter and weekend morning anchor at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1993 to 1994.
From 1994 to 2003, Miller lived in New Orleans, where she was a reporter and anchor for WWL-TV, the local CBS affiliate. During this period, she anchored “The Early Edition,” which became the highest-rated newscast in its time slot nationwide for three consecutive years. She also contributed to academia by teaching communications and broadcast journalism at Dillard University between 1998 and 2001, sharing her expertise with aspiring journalists.
CBS News Career and Major Reporting
Michelle Miller joined CBS News in 2004, marking the beginning of a significant phase in her career. She quickly established herself as a national correspondent and became a co-host of CBS Saturday Morning in 2018. Her work is also regularly featured on CBS Mornings, CBS News Sunday Morning, CBS Evening News, and the investigative program 48 Hours. Additionally, she anchors CBS News 24/7’s Eye On America.
Miller’s reporting covers a wide range of topics, but she is especially noted for her groundbreaking coverage of social justice and human rights. She has covered some of the most significant and tragic events in recent American history, including
the killings of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and Michael Brown, as well as the nationwide outrage following the Emanuel 9 Massacre in Charleston. Her coverage has been central to CBS News’ reporting on nationwide protests against racial injustice and police misconduct.
Additionally, she has been at the forefront of CBS News’ coverage of protest movements and civil rights issues, including sexual assault allegations against prominent figures. She was the first CBS News correspondent on the ground at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 and has covered the subsequent national debate on gun control, including the March for Our Lives protests. Internationally, Miller has reported on the refugee crisis in the Middle East, the celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life, and major events such as the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.
Miller’s interviews span a wide array of influential figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Angela Bassett, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, and Yo-Yo Ma, highlighting her versatility and prominence in the field.
Awards and Honors
Michelle Miller’s journalism excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She has won an Emmy Award for her series on the National Guard’s Youth Challenge Academy, an Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage of a daycare center standoff in New Orleans, and was part of the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award-winning team for coverage of the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting. Her investigative work earned Gracie Awards in 2019 for 48 Hours: Live to Tell: Trafficked, which exposed the hidden world of sex trafficking, and again in 2023 for 48 Hours: Katrina Brownlee: The Good Cop, a report on an NYPD detective who survived domestic abuse and being shot ten times.
In 2023, she was honored at the ColorComm Circle Awards, received a Salute to Excellence Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and was voted Woman of the Year by the National Sports Foundation—TV Week named her one of the “12 to Watch in TV News” in 2014. In 2022, Miller received the University of New Orleans Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her professional achievements and contributions to journalism.
Memoir and Impact
In 2023, Michelle Miller published a memoir titled Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Love and Loss, which became a New York Times Best Seller. The memoir chronicles her lifelong journey to connect with her birth mother and explore her identity as a Black woman. The book has resonated deeply with readers, inspiring conversations about identity, family, and resilience. Miller’s memoir also reflects her broader commitment to storytelling that highlights personal and social truths.
Husband and Children
Beyond her professional achievements, her personal life, particularly her marriage and family, has attracted considerable public interest. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect, support, and shared values. Miller is married to Marc Morial, a prominent political and civic leader known for his tenure as the Mayor of New Orleans and current role as President of the National Urban League.
Miller and Marc Morial were married on September 11, 1999. Their union represents a powerful alliance of two individuals committed to storytelling, leadership, and community advocacy. Miller and Marc Morial have three children together: Mason, Margeaux, and Kamah Morial.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Michelle Miller’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 to $6.2 million, with variations depending on sources and included assets. Miller’s net worth is estimated to be at least $3 million as of mid-2025, primarily based on her holdings as Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of NNN REIT Inc., where she owns about 68,756 shares valued at nearly $3 million.
NNN REIT Inc is a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in net lease properties. As EVP and Chief Accounting Officer at NNN REIT Inc., Michelle Miller earned a total compensation of approximately $1.3 million in the 2023 fiscal year. This included a base salary of around $320,000, bonuses totaling $520,000, stock awards worth about $434,751, and other compensation near $26,000.
Separately, as a CBS News correspondent and co-host of CBS Saturday Morning, her estimated annual salary ranges between $93,000 and $119,000, reflecting typical journalist compensation at her level.
Sources of Wealth
| Source | Description |
| Journalism Salary | Correspondent and co-host roles at CBS News with an estimated salary of $93k-$119k annually |
| Executive Compensation | EVP & Chief Accounting Officer at NNN REIT Inc. with total compensation over $1.3 million3 |
| Stock Holdings | Ownership of nearly 69,000 shares in NNN REIT Inc. valued at around $3 million |
| Book Deals and Public Speaking | Income from memoir and speaking engagements contributing to her net worth |
| Investments | Likely diversified portfolio including real estate and stocks, reflecting prudent management4 |
FAQs About Michelle Miller
Who is Michelle Miller?
Michelle Miller is an award-winning journalist and national correspondent for CBS News. She is also a co-host of CBS Saturday Morning and has reported on major national and international events, particularly focusing on social justice issues.
What is Michelle Miller’s background?
Born on December 8, 1967, in Los Angeles, California, Michelle Miller is biracial, with a complex family history involving her mother, a Chicana hospital administrator, and her father, a Black trauma surgeon and city councilman. She was raised largely by her father and paternal grandmother in South Central Los Angeles.
What are some highlights of Michelle Miller’s journalism career?
Since joining CBS News in 2004, Miller has covered landmark stories such as the killings of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and Michael Brown, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and the refugee crisis in the Middle East. She has earned multiple awards, including an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Gracie Awards.
Has Michelle Miller written any books?
Yes, Michelle Miller authored the memoir Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Loss and Love, which details her personal journey to understand her racial identity and family history, including her mother’s abandonment at birth.
Who is Michelle Miller’s husband?
Michelle Miller is married to Marc Morial, former Mayor of New Orleans and current President of the National Urban League. They have been married since 1999 and have two children together.
How many children does Michelle Miller have?
Michelle Miller has two children with her husband Marc Morial.
What social issues does Michelle Miller focus on in her reporting?
Her reporting often centers on social justice, racial inequality, gun violence, sexual assault, and civil rights movements. She has been a prominent voice in covering protests and systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.
What inspired Michelle Miller to write her memoir?
Her memoir was inspired by her lifelong search for belonging and understanding her biracial identity, especially after learning about her mother’s abandonment and the challenges she faced growing up navigating racial identity in America.