Book excerpt: "Connie: A Memoir" by Connie Chung

Connie Chung, a veteran journalist, reflects on her groundbreaking career in broadcast news, spanning four decades. She became the first Asian woman to co-anchor a nightly network news broadcast, navigating a male-dominated industry filled with both sexism and racism. Chung recounts her experiences with political figures, who often underestimated her due to her gender and ethnicity, treating her as an object rather than a professional. Despite these challenges, she developed a unique approach to her work, often ambushing interview subjects with pointed questions, which earned her respect over time. Chung's assignments included covering significant events, such as the arrival of Chinese pandas at the National Zoo and President Nixon's historic trip to China. Her ability to speak Chinese allowed her to engage with these stories on a deeper level, although she often faced condescension from her male colleagues. The memoir highlights the dual challenges of racism and sexism she encountered, illustrating how these experiences shaped her career and personal identity. The narrative also touches on her interactions with First Lady Pat Nixon, whom she found to be a stiff and unapproachable figure. Chung's determination to succeed in a challenging environment is evident as she recounts her strategies for overcoming the biases she faced. Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the importance of breaking barriers in journalism. Ultimately, Chung's memoir is not just a personal account but also a reflection on the broader issues of representation and equality in the media. It emphasizes the need for diverse voices in journalism and the impact of those voices on society.