Connie Chung, an iconic journalist and the first woman to co-anchor CBS Evening News, shares her groundbreaking career journey from newsroom secretary to respected reporter. She highlights the importance of authenticity, respect, and boldness in leadership, especially for women and minorities. Chung recounts her experiences covering major events like Watergate and reflects on the complexities of co-anchoring with Walter Cronkite. With a blend of inspiring stories and humorous anecdotes, she advocates for kindness and self-empowerment in navigating professional challenges.
Connie Chung's tenacity and authenticity serve as a blueprint for women and minorities seeking equality in leadership roles.
Chung critiques the decline of trust in media, emphasizing the need for a return to objective journalism to rebuild credibility.
Deep dives
Breaking Barriers in Journalism
Connie Chung has had a groundbreaking career in journalism, becoming the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian person to co-anchor any major news program in the U.S. Her tenacity and aggression paved the way for her success in a male-dominated field during a time when such opportunities were scarce for women and minorities. Chung's early experiences, such as working as an intern on Capitol Hill and her relentless pursuit of on-air roles, reflect her determination to rise above societal barriers. Throughout her journey, she has inspired many by demonstrating that tenacity and preparedness can lead to significant achievements in the face of adversity.
Challenges and Changes in Media
Chung expresses concern about the current state of the news media, noting a decline in trust and objectivity. She identifies the roots of this change in the skeptical sentiment that emerged during the Vietnam War, which has evolved into rampant polarization and bias in reporting. Chung criticizes the shift from factual reporting to opinion-driven narratives that dominate today's news cycle, causing frustration among viewers seeking reliable information. However, she finds hope in initiatives that prioritize traditional journalistic values, suggesting that rebuilding trust will be a gradual process requiring commitment from news organizations.
Lessons for Future Generations
Chung emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy for women and minorities in professional settings, encouraging them to embrace boldness and assertiveness. Drawing from her own experiences, she highlights the tendency of women to hold back in discussions, often fearing their contributions will be seen as less worthy. She urges individuals to confidently claim their achievements and take credit for their work, promoting the idea that confidence can drive progress in achieving equity in the workplace. Chung believes that, with perseverance and support from allies, future generations can break free from outdated norms and strive for equality in all fields.
Connie Chung, the iconic journalist, anchor, author, and leader, has had an incredibly accomplished and groundbreaking career. As the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian to co-anchor any news program in the U.S., Chung describes her tenacious journey into journalism, starting as a newsroom secretary and then fighting her way up to become a respected reporter. Over her storied career, Chung covered major events like the Watergate scandal and interviewed influential figures like Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. She says she always aimed to be authentic, respectful, and bold - qualities she believes can help women and minorities achieve more parity in leadership roles.