Margaret Sullivan Biography: Age | Journalist & Media Columnist

Margaret Sullivan: From The New York Times to The Guardian

Margaret Sullivan is an American journalist and media columnist.

She is known for her work as the former media columnist for The Washington Post and the fifth public editor of The New York Times, where she was the first woman to hold the position.

Her work focuses on the state of journalism, media ethics, and the challenges facing the industry.

Margaret M. Sullivan currently serves as the Executive Director for the Craig Newmark Center for Journalism Ethics and Security at Columbia Journalism School and writes a weekly column for The Guardian US.

 She has held several influential positions, including:

• Public Editor of The New York Times: Sullivan served as the fifth public editor of the New York Times from 2012 to 2016, making her the first woman to hold this position. In this role, she acted as a liaison between the newspaper and its readers, addressing concerns and advocating for transparency.

• Media Columnist for The Washington Post: From 2016 to 2023, Sullivan wrote a weekly media column for The Washington Post, where she analyzed the performance of various news outlets and offered critical commentary on media trends and issues.

• Executive Director of the Craig Newmark Center for Journalism Ethics and Security: Since 2023, Sullivan has served as the executive director of this center at Columbia Journalism School, where she oversees initiatives focused on media ethics and the safety of journalists.

• Media Critic for The Guardian US: Sullivan currently writes a weekly media column for The Guardian US, continuing her work as a leading voice on media ethics and accountability.

Sullivan’s career has been marked by her commitment to journalistic integrity and her dedication to holding media outlets accountable for their actions.

She has been a vocal advocate for press freedom and has challenged the media to uphold its role as a watchdog in a democratic society.

Early Life and Education:

Margaret Sullivan was born in Lackawanna, New York. She graduated from Nardin Academy in Buffalo, where she served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and captain of the basketball team.

She holds a degree from Georgetown University and an M.S.J. from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Upbringing and Family

Margaret is the daughter of John Sullivan, an attorney, and Elaine Saab Sullivan, a department store buyer and school teacher. Unfortunately, specific details about her siblings are not readily available.

Significant Life Experiences

One of the pivotal moments in Margaret’s life was watching the Watergate hearings on TV with her parents. This event inspired her and solidified her desire to become a journalist.

She began her career at The Buffalo News in 1980 as a summer intern and worked her way up to become the paper’s first female editor in 1999.

Career:

Margaret Sullivan began her career at The Buffalo News in 1980 as a summer intern. She worked her way up to become the paper’s first female editor in 1999.

She later joined The New York Times as the public editor in 2012, where she reported directly to the publisher as the “readers’ representative”.

In 2016, she joined The Washington Post as a media columnist, a position she held until 2022.

On November 2, 2023, she was named the executive director for the Craig Newmark Center for Journalism Ethics and Security at the Columbia Journalism School.

The Buffalo News

Margaret Sullivan began her journalism career at The Buffalo News in 1980 as a summer intern.

Throughout her initial years, she demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity.

Her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and she rapidly progressed through various roles at the newspaper.

By 1999, she had shattered a significant glass ceiling by becoming the first female editor in the history of The Buffalo News.

Her leadership during this period was marked by a focus on deep investigative journalism and community issues, reflecting her belief in the power of the press to effect change.

Under her stewardship, the paper tackled critical topics such as poverty, economic development, and public education inequities, often sparking important conversations within the community.

She held this esteemed position until 2012, leaving an indelible mark on the publication and setting a high bar for those who would follow in her footsteps.

The New York Times

In 2012, Margaret Sullivan took on a pioneering role at The New York Times as the fifth public editor, becoming the first woman to occupy this position.

Her appointment came at a time when the media landscape was undergoing significant transformations, and her role was pivotal in maintaining the newspaper’s standards of transparency and accountability.

As the public editor, Sullivan served as the readers’ representative, addressing their concerns, providing critiques of the newspaper’s coverage, and ensuring the integrity of its journalism.

She tackled controversial topics head-on, often questioning the newspaper’s decisions and practices in a bid to uphold ethical journalism.

Her tenure, which lasted until 2016, was marked by her forthrightness, independence, and unwavering commitment to the principles of journalism.

Her work during this period not only enhanced the credibility of The New York Times but also set a standard for future public editors.

The Washington Post

Following her impactful tenure at The New York Times, Sullivan brought her expertise and insightful commentary to The Washington Post as a media columnist in 2016.

Over the next six years, her columns became a critical voice in the discourse surrounding journalism, media ethics, and the evolving challenges faced by the industry.

She regularly explored issues such as the rise of misinformation, the role of social media in journalism, and the financial struggles of local news outlets.

Her writing often held powerful media institutions accountable and advocated for transparency and ethical practices.

Sullivan’s columns were not just critiques; they were well-researched pieces that offered solutions and highlighted the importance of a free and fair press in a functioning democracy.

Her tenure at The Washington Post, which lasted until 2022, solidified her reputation as one of the most respected media commentators in the field.

The Guardian US

Since January 2023, Margaret Sullivan has been contributing her expertise and perspectives as a weekly columnist for The Guardian US.

Her columns address a wide range of topics, including media, politics, and culture, and are characterized by her incisive analysis and depth of understanding.

In this role, she continues to scrutinize the media landscape, offering informed opinions on the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Her contributions to The Guardian US provide readers with a nuanced understanding of contemporary issues and reinforce her status as a thought leader in journalism.

Sullivan’s work with The Guardian US not only continues her legacy of critical and thought-provoking commentary but also expands her influence to a global audience.

Columbia Journalism School

In a new chapter of her illustrious career, Margaret Sullivan took on the role of Executive Director for the Craig Newmark Center for Journalism Ethics and Security at Columbia Journalism School, beginning on January 1, 2024.

In this capacity, she is tasked with leading initiatives that promote ethical journalism practices and address the security challenges faced by journalists in the digital age.

Her role involves shaping the next generation of journalists by instilling in them the values of integrity, accuracy, and accountability.

Sullivan’s leadership at the Center aims to create a safer and more ethical media environment, ensuring that journalists can carry out their work without fear of reprisal.

Her experience and insights are invaluable in this role, making her a guiding force for aspiring journalists and a champion for ethical journalism.

Financial Status:

While specific figures are not publicly available, here are some estimates based on industry averages and her prominent career:

• Net Worth: Given her successful career at major publications and her current position at a prestigious institution like Columbia Journalism School, it’s reasonable to estimate Margaret Sullivan’s net worth to be in the high six figures or low seven figures. This is a broad estimate, as it can vary significantly based on factors like investments, real estate holdings, and personal spending habits.

• Salary:

  • Public Editor of The New York Times: Salaries for high-level editorial positions at major newspapers like The New York Times can range from $150,000 to $300,000 or more per year.

• • Media Columnist for The Washington Post: Similarly, salaries for prominent media columnists at major newspapers can range from $100,000 to $250,000 or more per year.

• • Executive Director of the Craig Newmark Center for Journalism Ethics and Security: Salaries for executive directors at academic institutions can vary widely, but it’s likely that Sullivan’s salary for this position is in the six figures.

Personal Life of Margaret Sullivan:

• Age: Margaret Sullivan was born on May 16, 1959, which makes her 65 years old as of 2025.

• Zodiac Sign: Taurus

• Ethnicity: Irish-American

• Nationality: American

• Relationship Status: Married

Margaret Sullivan’s Husband:

Margaret Sullivan is married to Charles Anzalone, a journalist with a long and distinguished career himself.

Charles Anzalone worked at the Buffalo News for 25 years, where he was the editor of the award-winning First Sunday magazine.

He later joined the University at Buffalo as a senior editor/media specialist, where he writes and edits stories and news releases, and helps manage media relations for faculty research and special events.

Anzalone also teaches journalism and writing courses as an adjunct professor at UB.

Children

Margaret Sullivan and Charles Anzalone have two children:

• Brooke Anzalone: Brooke followed in her parents’ footsteps and pursued a career in journalism.

• William Anzalone: William has also been involved in the media industry, working as a film producer and attorney.

Social Media Presence:

Yes, Margaret Sullivan is active on social media. You can find her on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.

On Twitter, she shares her thoughts on journalism, media ethics, and current events.

Her LinkedIn profile showcases her professional achievements and contributions to the field of journalism

Sources:

Here are the sources linked for your reference:

• Margaret Sullivan – Wikipedia

• Margaret Sullivan at Columbia Journalism School

• Margaret Sullivan at The Washington Post

• Margaret Sullivan’s Guardian US Column

• Pulitzer.org Profile of Margaret Sullivan