14 DAY TRIAL // As much as critics say that a career in television is, most often than not, short-lived and not as gratifying as one on the silver screen, big bucks are still made from it. Take Simon Cowell for instance, also known as the man the entire world loves to hate. By diversifying his resume and staying true to a formula he devised many years ago, he is now Forbes’ top earning man for 2009, as TV Yahoo! can confirm.
Of course, as fans would also know, Simon Cowell is not just a judge on American Idol. He also produces, judges and partly owns shows like Britain’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent and X Factor as well, aside from having his own record label to which he signs upcoming stars, only artists with incredible talent. This way, Cowell managed to earn an estimated $75 million in one year, before taxes and other expenses.
“In an industry hammered by changing viewer habits and dwindling advertising dollars, the 50-year-old Brit and his Fox juggernaut, American Idol, continue to score record ratings and big money. Though the singing competition’s viewership has slid in recent years, it still managed to round out last season with an average weekly audience of 27 million, making it the most-watched series in primetime. And like Cowell’s fellow top earners, the host you love to loathe has found several avenues to cash in, including judging, producing, and music publishing. His total haul between June 1, 2008, and June 1, 2009: $75 million.” TV Yahoo! writes.
Another media mogul making big money on television is yet another star the public loves to hate: real-estate magnate Donald Trump, also known simply as The Donald. His first attempts at launching a television career with “The Apprentice” reality show got him under serious fire with his critics, as well as plenty of ridicule. Audiences also went down considerably at one point, which prompted speculation of a cancellation, but the show eventually picked up the pace again and rose from its own ashes like the legendary Phoenix bird.
“At No. 2 is the real-estate mogul turned reality show host Donald Trump, who banked an estimated $50 million from his similarly vast collection of entertainment ventures this year. Though Trump’s ‘Apprentice’ franchise took another ratings hit last season – down 11 percent from its celebrity debut a season earlier – it continues to attract viewers and sponsors. Among the latter: Zappos.com, Loews Hotels, and Chicken of the Sea. Trump also lends his name to everything from alcohol to neck ties, and reaps millions from speeches worldwide and books.” the same media outlet further informs.
At number 3, we find another American Idol alumn, host Ryan Seacrest, who made an estimated $38 million. Actors Charlie Sheen and Steve Carell round up Forbes’ top 5, with estimated earnings of $21 million and $20 million, respectively. For the full Forbes list of high earners on primetime television, please refer here.