Connie Chung reveals Dan Rather's shocking advice to her as co-anchor

In the early 1990s, Connie Chung became co-anchor of CBS Evening News, becoming the first Asian American and the second woman to take on such a role in network history. This significant step was part of an effort to improve the show's declining ratings. Despite this milestone, Chung experienced alleged sexist treatment from her co-anchor Dan Rather, who reportedly made condescending comments directed at her, which undermined their partnership. Chung described his attitude as dismissive, indicating an inherent bias against women, and stated that Rather believed his role was to cover stories while she was relegated to reading the teleprompter. This dynamic illustrates the challenges women faced in the male-dominated field of television journalism at the time. Chung expressed in her memoir that her time as co-anchor was marked not only by professional achievements but also by personal challenges stemming from the sexism prevalent in the news industry. Her experiences reflect a broader pattern of male dominance in broadcasting, which she highlights through anecdotes about other prominent male anchors, such as Bryant Gumbel. She noted that Gumbel's contract prevented his co-anchor, Jane Pauley, from initiating greetings on the show, demonstrating the lengths to which some male anchors went to assert their perceived superiority. Throughout her tenure, Chung emphasized the importance of resilience and maintaining professionalism in the face of adversity. While reflecting on her career, she acknowledged that many women had expressed gratitude for the barriers she broke, allowing future generations to pursue their aspirations in journalism. The progress made during this time was not without its complications, as Chung and others like her navigated a workplace riddled with gender inequality. Chung's reflections are particularly poignant given the ongoing discussions about sexism and diversity in media. Her memoir serves not only as a testament to her own experiences but also as a critique of the structures that have historically marginalized women in the broadcasting profession. She ultimately transitioned to ABC News, where she continued to make significant contributions as co-anchor of "20/20". Through her narrative, Chung hopes to inspire conversations about equality and representation, encouraging women and minorities to persist against systemic challenges in the pursuit of their dreams.