Radio personality Anthony Cumia has built a fortune worth approximately $6 million through decades in broadcasting, despite facing major career setbacks. The former Opie and Anthony co-host transformed personal controversy into entrepreneurial success, creating his own media empire after losing a lucrative SiriusXM contract.

Online estimates of Cumia’s wealth vary wildly, ranging from $4 million to $20 million. This confusion stems from different calculation methods and the private nature of his current earnings. However, based on his property sales, business ventures, and industry salary standards, a realistic assessment puts his net worth in the $6-8 million range.

Anthony Cumia Net Worth 2025

Anthony Cumia’s current net worth sits at approximately $6 million, according to the most reliable industry sources. This figure reflects both his peak radio earnings and his successful transition to independent media after his controversial 2014 firing from SiriusXM.

The radio host’s wealth comes from multiple income streams that have evolved significantly over his career. During his peak years with the Opie and Anthony show, Cumia earned $5 million annually as part of a lucrative SiriusXM contract. Today, his earnings come primarily from his Compound Media network, real estate investments, and his recent return to traditional radio.

What sets Cumia apart from other media personalities is his ability to monetize controversy. While his firing from SiriusXM initially seemed career-ending, he quickly pivoted to create a subscription-based media company that generates steady revenue from loyal fans willing to pay for his uncensored content.

The wealth variance reported across different websites often stems from outdated information or speculation about his private business earnings. Recent industry analysis suggests his 2025 net worth has stabilized around $6-8 million, reflecting both his business success and the financial impact of legal issues and property transactions.

Who Is Anthony Cumia?

Anthony Cumia was born on April 26, 1961, in Queens, New York, and grew up in an Italian-American household that moved frequently around Long Island. Before becoming a radio personality, he worked as an HVAC installer, a blue-collar job that shaped his everyman appeal on air.

Cumia’s radio career began in 1994 when he submitted an O.J. Simpson parody song to a contest on Gregg “Opie” Hughes’ show. This single submission launched one of radio’s most controversial and successful partnerships. The duo’s chemistry was immediate, leading to the creation of the Opie and Anthony show in 1995.

The show became known for pushing boundaries and challenging traditional radio formats. From 1995 to 2014, the Opie and Anthony show gained a massive following, making both hosts household names in the shock jock world. Cumia’s quick wit and willingness to tackle controversial topics made him a fan favorite and industry standout.

Today, at 64 years old, Cumia continues to work in media through his own platforms. He currently hosts The Anthony Cumia Show on WABC’s Talkradio 77 and the online platform Compound Censored. His longevity in an industry known for short careers speaks to his adaptability and business sense.

Radio Personality Career Highlights

Cumia’s broadcasting journey started modestly but quickly accelerated to industry prominence. The Opie and Anthony show launched in March 1995 on WAAF in Boston, where Cumia initially earned barely more than his previous manual labor wages. However, the show’s popularity grew rapidly, transforming both hosts into radio stars.

The duo was fired in April 1998 for an April Fool’s prank that convinced listeners Boston Mayor Thomas Menino had died in a car accident. Rather than ending their careers, this controversy actually boosted their reputation as boundary-pushing entertainers. They landed at WNEW in New York City, where the show reached new heights.

By 2004, Opie and Anthony had secured a position on XM Satellite Radio, marking the beginning of their most financially successful period. The satellite platform allowed for uncensored content, perfectly matching their provocative style. Comedian Jim Norton joined as co-host in 2001, creating the show’s classic three-person dynamic.

The partnership’s end came abruptly in 2014. SiriusXM fired Cumia for posting racist tweets after claiming he was assaulted by a Black woman in Times Square. This firing dissolved the Opie and Anthony show and forced Cumia to completely reinvent his career approach.

Compound Media Business Success

Within a week of his SiriusXM firing, Cumia announced The Anthony Cumia Show, launching on August 4, 2014. This quick turnaround demonstrated both his business acumen and understanding of his audience’s loyalty. Rather than seeking employment elsewhere, he created his own media company.

Compound Media operates on a subscription-based model, generating steady income from paid subscribers, advertising revenue, and sponsorships. This approach gives Cumia complete creative control while maintaining direct financial relationships with his audience. The network has expanded beyond his solo show to include multiple programs and personalities.

In June 2024, Cumia merged his network with Gavin McInnes’ Censored.TV, creating Compound Censored. This merger expanded his potential audience and revenue streams while sharing operational costs. The combined platform offers subscribers access to multiple shows and exclusive content.

The business model has proven remarkably stable. Unlike traditional radio, where hosts depend on corporate decisions and advertising market fluctuations, Cumia’s subscription approach provides predictable monthly revenue. Industry estimates suggest Compound Media generates substantial income through its loyal subscriber base, though exact figures remain private.

Anthony Cumia Current Income Sources

In February 2025, Cumia returned to traditional radio with a weekly show on WABC’s Talkradio 77. This move represents a significant career development, bringing him back to mainstream broadcasting while maintaining his independent media operations. The WABC deal likely provides both salary income and increased exposure for his other ventures.

Current estimates suggest Cumia earns approximately $88,170 annually from his show hosting duties, though this figure may not include his full compensation package. His Compound Media ownership likely generates additional income through subscription revenues, advertising sales, and merchandise.

Social media platforms contribute to his earnings through YouTube monetization, where his content generates ad revenue from millions of views. His large following across Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube creates multiple income opportunities through sponsored content and direct audience engagement.

Merchandise sales provide another revenue stream. Cumia’s online store offers branded clothing and products related to his shows and public persona. While not his primary income source, merchandise creates additional profit margins and strengthens fan connections.

Real Estate Investments and Assets

Real estate represents a significant portion of Cumia’s wealth portfolio. In 2006, he purchased a 4,589-square-foot home in Roslyn Heights, New York, for $2.9 million. The property featured five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and luxury amenities that reflected his radio success earnings.

After listing the property for $3.1 million in October 2020, Cumia ultimately sold it for $2.492 million in September 2021. While he took a loss on paper, the sale allowed him to relocate and simplify his living situation. The timing coincided with his move away from the New York media market.

In August 2022, Cumia purchased a 5-acre property in Taylors, South Carolina, for $945,000. The 3,200-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, providing significant space at a much lower cost than his previous New York residence. This move represents smart financial planning, reducing his housing costs while maintaining lifestyle quality.

The South Carolina property serves multiple purposes. Cumia uses his home to broadcast some of his shows, making it both a residence and business asset. The property’s size and location provide privacy for his media operations while offering potential future appreciation in a growing market.

Cumia’s legal troubles began with his 2014 SiriusXM firing over racist tweets, which cost him a $5 million annual salary. This single incident represents the largest financial loss of his career, forcing him to rebuild his income from zero. However, his quick pivot to independent media helped minimize long-term financial damage.

In 2015, Cumia was arrested on charges including strangulation, assault, criminal mischief, and unlawful imprisonment following an incident with his girlfriend. He ultimately pled guilty to third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing. Legal fees and potential settlements from this case likely cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Cumia has been permanently suspended from Twitter multiple times for ban evasion and posting offensive content. While not directly costly, these suspensions limit his social media marketing abilities and audience reach, indirectly affecting his earning potential.

Despite these setbacks, Cumia has maintained his wealth and continued growing his business. His legal issues, while serious, haven’t prevented him from operating his media company or securing new broadcasting opportunities. The 2025 WABC deal suggests the industry still values his audience draw despite past controversies.

Anthony Cumia Age and Personal Background

At 64 years old, Cumia has spent more than three decades building his media career. Born and raised in Queens before moving around Long Island, he comes from a working-class Italian-American family. His blue-collar background remains central to his on-air personality and audience appeal.

Cumia’s parents separated during his early teens, and he lived with his father in Southern California before returning to New York. These early experiences of family disruption and geographic mobility may have contributed to his later willingness to take career risks and reinvent himself professionally.

Before radio, Cumia installed HVAC systems, giving him real-world work experience that many media personalities lack. This background helps explain his connection with working-class audiences and his practical approach to business decisions. His manual labor experience provides credibility when discussing economic issues affecting ordinary workers.

Cumia was married to Jennifer Ballou from 1990 to 2002, later calling the marriage “the biggest mistake of his life”. His personal relationships have often been tumultuous and public, sometimes overshadowing his professional achievements. However, he has successfully separated his personal controversies from his business operations.

Anthony Cumia’s $6 million net worth reflects both the heights of mainstream radio success and the possibilities of independent media entrepreneurship. His career demonstrates how controversial personalities can monetize loyal audiences through direct subscription models, even after losing traditional media platforms. While his path hasn’t been smooth, Cumia has consistently found ways to generate income and maintain his wealth despite significant professional and personal challenges.