Eric Sorensen: The Trusted Voice of Global News – Net Worth, Age, Wife, and Personal Life
For decades, Canadian viewers have woken up to or ended their day with the familiar, authoritative presence of Eric Sorensen. As the Senior National Affairs Correspondent for Global News, Sorensen has become one of the most respected figures in Canadian journalism. Known for his ability to break down complex geopolitical events and his distinctive storytelling style—often utilizing virtual graphics—he has earned a Lifetime Achievement Award and the trust of a nation.
This article provides a comprehensive look at Eric Sorensen’s career, his financial standing, his family life, and the accolades that define his legacy.
Who is Eric Sorensen?
Eric Sorensen is a Canadian television journalist currently serving as the Senior National Affairs Correspondent for Global National, the flagship newscast of Global News. Often affectionately referred to as “the professor” by colleagues due to his deep knowledge of history and politics, Sorensen has covered virtually every major global event over the last 30 years, from the death of Princess Diana to the election of Barack Obama .
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Sorensen |
| Profession | Senior National Affairs Correspondent, Global News |
| Birth Place | Hearst, Ontario, Canada |
| Raised In | Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada |
| Education | Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), University of Chicago (Benton Fellowship) |
| Spouse | Pamela Sorensen |
| Children | Two (Dana and Maggie) |
| Current Base | Toronto, Ontario |
Career: From Small-Town Radio to National Icon
Sorensen’s career is a masterclass in Canadian broadcasting. His journey began in 1973 after he graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Toronto Metropolitan University) . He started in small markets, working at CHOW Radio in Welland, Ontario, and later in Wingham and Peterborough . His career trajectory is marked by a steady rise through the ranks of Canadian media.
A Storied Tenure at CBC
Before joining Global, Sorensen spent 18 years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) working for The National . During his time there, he covered some of the most significant stories of the late 20th century, including the Swissair Flight 111 crash off the coast of Nova Scotia and the death of Princess Diana in Paris . He also served as a Parliamentary Reporter, traveling across five continents with three different Prime Ministers and covering numerous federal election campaigns .
Leadership at Global News
Sorensen joined Global News in November 2006 as the Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief . For eight years, he led coverage of American politics, covering the historic election and presidency of Barack Obama, as well as major international events like the funeral of Nelson Mandela .
In early 2014, he transitioned to his current role as Senior National Affairs Correspondent based in Toronto . In this role, he has become famous for his use of Global’s virtual set technology, explaining complex subjects like the science behind black holes or the logistics of breaking news events in a way that is accessible to the average Canadian .
Eric Sorensen’s Net Worth and Salary
Given his long and distinguished career spanning over 50 years, there is significant public interest in Eric Sorensen’s financial standing. It is important to note that exact figures are difficult to verify as private contracts are not public record, and estimates vary across sources.
According to available data, Eric Sorensen’s estimated net worth is generally reported to be between $500,000 and $5 million . This wide range reflects his decades of high-level employment at Canada’s largest networks.
Regarding his annual salary, estimates typically range from $40,000 to $110,500 . A 2022 report suggested an average salary for a Global News journalist of approximately $46,592, though a figure at the higher end of the scale would be more typical for a senior correspondent of Sorensen’s tenure and stature .
| Financial Summary | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $5 Million |
| Annual Salary | $40,000 – $110,500 |
| Source of Wealth | Broadcast Journalism (CBC, Global News) |
Age and Early Life
Eric Sorensen was born in Hearst, Ontario, but grew up in Port Colborne, a city in the Niagara Region of Ontario . While Sorensen is private about his exact birth date, public records and database entries confirm his birth date as May 6, 1954 . This makes him 70 years old as of 2024.
He has a background in athletics as well as academics; after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson in 1976, he was named MVP of the university’s Varsity basketball team that same year .
Wife and Personal Life
Despite his public profile, Eric Sorensen keeps his personal life very private. He is married to Pamela Sorensen. Unlike her husband, Pamela works in education; reports indicate she is an elementary school teacher .
The couple has two children together:
The family resides in Toronto, where Sorensen is based for his work at Global News. He has been married to Pamela for many years, though the couple has kept the exact date of their wedding out of the public eye to maintain their privacy .
Awards and Recognition
Eric Sorensen’s work has not gone unnoticed by his peers. In 2020, he received one of the highest honors in Canadian broadcasting: the RTDNA Canada Network Lifetime Achievement Award .
His ability to blend hard news with innovative storytelling earned him a Canadian Screen Award nomination for News Writing. He was also notably the first Canadian to receive the Benton Fellowship in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Chicago back in 1984, a testament to his early promise as a journalist .
| Award/Recognition | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Benton Fellowship | 1984 | First Canadian recipient; University of Chicago |
| Canadian Screen Award Nomination | Various | Recognition for excellence in News Writing |
| RTDNA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award | 2020 | Highest honor for career excellence in broadcast journalism |
Conclusion: The Legacy of Eric Sorensen
Eric Sorensen represents a bygone era of journalism that values deep research, factual accuracy, and clear communication. From covering wars and summits to explaining the nuances of Parliament using a virtual screen, he has adapted to the changing landscape of media while maintaining his integrity. With a net worth that reflects a lifetime of dedication, a supportive family by his side, and a wall full of accolades, Eric Sorensen remains one of Canada’s most cherished and trusted journalists.
