Connie Chung reflects on her groundbreaking career in journalism
- Connie Chung began her journalism career by insisting on a writing position at a local TV station despite her lack of experience.
- She navigated a male-dominated environment at CBS News in 1971, striving to report on significant political stories and securing key interviews.
- Her memoir highlights her journey, emphasizing the values of hard work, bravery, and risk-taking that contributed to her groundbreaking success.
Connie Chung's career in journalism began with her bold approach to securing a position at a local TV station, where she insisted on being a weekend writer despite lacking experience. In 1971, she joined the CBS News Washington bureau, a predominantly male environment, and adopted a strategy to fit in by emulating her male colleagues. This determination led her to cover significant political stories and achieve notable interviews, including the first with the captain of the Exxon Valdez after the infamous oil spill. Chung's journey was not without personal challenges, as her father had high expectations for her to carry on the family name, which added pressure to her professional ambitions. Throughout her four-decade career, she faced numerous obstacles but remained committed to her goals, ultimately breaking barriers as the first Asian woman to co-anchor a nightly network news program. Her memoir, "Connie," reflects on these experiences and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of hard work, bravery, and risk-taking in achieving success in journalism.