Cheng Lei net worth: How much is Cheng Lei worth?

Australian news anchor Cheng Lei has an estimated net worth of $2 million.

Who Is Cheng Lei?

Cheng Lei is a Chinese-born Australian television news anchor and seasoned business reporter who has made significant contributions to the field of journalism.

Her career has been marked by high-profile roles and noteworthy interviews, making her a familiar face to many.

Cheng Lei’s professional journey took her to Beijing, where she served as a prominent news anchor for the China Global Television Network (CGTN), China’s state-owned English-language news channel, from 2012 to 2020.

During her time at CGTN, she also hosted the Global Business program, showcasing her expertise in business reporting.

Prior to her tenure with CGTN, she spent nine years as CNBC’s China correspondent, further solidifying her reputation as a respected journalist.

Her reporting portfolio includes covering major events in China, including the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

Cheng Lei’s career reached even greater heights as she interviewed influential figures such as Bill Gates, José Manuel Barroso, John W. Snow, Rodrigo Rato, and Richard Branson.

However, Cheng Lei’s career took a sudden and unexpected turn when she was detained by Chinese authorities in mid-August 2020.

Official statements from Chinese authorities accused her of “carrying out criminal activities endangering China’s national security.” Her detention drew international attention, with the International Federation of Journalists expressing deep concern, stating that her detention appeared to be “without cause or reason.”

In February 2021, Cheng Lei was formally arrested on suspicion of “illegally supplying state secrets overseas,” as confirmed by Australia’s foreign minister, Marise Payne. Her release in October 2023 marked the end of a challenging period in her life.