Why are the top news anchors and reporters paid so much?

the top ones attract viewers and are highly marketable, but the lesser presenter on regional shows etc are less well paid since they are valued only to that of a journalist/presenter

Top news anchors are highly paid because they bring in the big ratings, which in turn bring in the big money to the news stations.

If people were paid according to how physically demanding their jobs are, blue collar workers would get the highest salaries instead of the lowest. There is a lot of nerve-wrecking and sometimes dangerous work done by news reporters, but they are paid for their ability to quickly and fairly present the news in a professional and pleasant manner. Their ability to do this well can determine the fate of a entire TV network, and that's worth a lot. Besides they are celebrities, and celebrities are always paid the highest salaries. Is Vanna White, the model who flips cards on Wheel of Fortune worth the $8 million a year she receives?