Who is Ben Wedeman? Biography | Wiki
Ben Wedeman is an award-winning American journalist and senior international correspondent for CNN, currently based in Rome. A veteran of the network since 1994, he has covered major global conflicts and earned numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards for team reporting.
Before joining CNN, Wedeman worked from 1988 to 1992 in Aleppo, Syria, as a communications specialist with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas.
His journey with CNN began humbly—as a local hire in Jordan, working as a fixer, producer, and sound technician. Fluent in several Arabic dialects, he played a crucial role in helping journalists navigate the complexities of reporting in the region. He later rose to become CNN’s Bureau Chief in Amman.
From 1998 to 2006, Wedeman served as CNN’s bureau chief in Cairo, leading coverage of key regional events, including the uprising against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In 2009, he became the correspondent for CNN’s Jerusalem bureau.
Wedeman has reported from the front lines of some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts. In October 2000, he was shot in the back while covering a clash near the Gaza-Israel border. During the 2011 Libyan civil war, he uncovered barrels of yellowcake uranium in an abandoned warehouse—later confirmed by the IAEA—while reporting from Sabha, Libya.
He was among the first journalists to access Iraq following the 9/11 attacks, and uniquely secured an interview with Uday Hussein, son of Saddam. He’s also covered civil war battles in Aleppo, Syria, and conflicts in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Africa.
Most recently, Wedeman has reported extensively on the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022 and 2023. Since 2023, he has been a regular guest on “Che tempo che fa”, a popular Italian talk show on TV channel NOVE, part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
How old is Ben Wedeman? Age and Birthday
Ben is 64 years old as of 2025. He was born on September 1, 1960, in Washington D.C, in the United States of America. Besides, he celebrates his birthday on the 1st of September of every year.
Ben Wedeman High School and College
Which school did Wedeman attend? Ben attended boarding schools in Beirut, Lebanon in 1974. Later on, he joined and graduated from the Texas University at Austin. In addition, Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Asiatic Languages and Linguistics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. Besides, he received a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies.
READ MORE: Who is Anderson Cooper? CNN, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Salary, and Net Worth
What is Ben Wedeman Nationality and Ethnicity?
Ben is of American nationality and citizenship. Besides, he was born and raised in Washington D.C, in the United States of America. In addition, he belongs to the white ethnicity.
How tall is Ben Wedeman? Height and Measurements
How tall is Ben? Approximately Wedeman stands at the height of 5 feet 7 inches (Approx. 1.7 m) tall, as he is a man of average stature. However, he has not mentioned any details concerning his other body measurements in public places.
Ben Wedeman Family | Parents and Early Life
He was born and raised in Washington D.C, in the United States by his caring parents. His father is Miles G. Wedeman while his mother is Martha Jean. His father was born on January 23, 1923, and passed away on October 23, 2013. In addition, his father served as a diplomat and a civil servant from Pennsylvania. Besides, Ben is also a devout Quaker who worked in the Syria and Ivory Coast, serving for USAID. Moreover, his mother is a previous journalist for the Washington Post.
Is Ben Wedeman married? Wife | Wedding
Ben likes to keep his personal data away from the limelight. Therefore, he has not divulged whether he is dating, married, single, or engaged. However, our team is still investigating this section and we will update you as soon as we get clear details.
How much does Ben Wedeman make? Salary
Wedeman receives his income from his present role as a CNN news anchor and reporter. Therefore, he receives an average salary of $120,000 as of 2025.
Ben Wedeman Net Worth
Most of his wealth has been garnered from his journalism profession. Therefore, he has an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025.
Ben Wedeman CNN News
Ben Wedeman is an award-winning American journalist and senior international correspondent for CNN, currently based in Rome. A veteran of the network since 1994, he has covered major global conflicts and earned numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards for team reporting.
Before joining CNN, Wedeman worked from 1988 to 1992 in Aleppo, Syria, as a communications specialist with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas.
His journey with CNN began humbly—as a local hire in Jordan, working as a fixer, producer, and sound technician. Fluent in several Arabic dialects, he played a crucial role in helping journalists navigate the complexities of reporting in the region. He later rose to become CNN’s Bureau Chief in Amman.
From 1998 to 2006, Wedeman served as CNN’s bureau chief in Cairo, leading coverage of key regional events, including the uprising against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In 2009, he became the correspondent for CNN’s Jerusalem bureau.
Wedeman has reported from the front lines of some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts. In October 2000, he was shot in the back while covering a clash near the Gaza-Israel border. During the 2011 Libyan civil war, he uncovered barrels of yellowcake uranium in an abandoned warehouse—later confirmed by the IAEA—while reporting from Sabha, Libya.
He was among the first journalists to access Iraq following the 9/11 attacks, and uniquely secured an interview with Uday Hussein, son of Saddam. He’s also covered civil war battles in Aleppo, Syria, and conflicts in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Africa.
Most recently, Wedeman has reported extensively on the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022 and 2023. Since 2023, he has been a regular guest on “Che tempo che fa”, a popular Italian talk show on TV channel NOVE, part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
