Connie Chung Breaking Barriers and Inspiring a New Generation in Journalism

Connie Chung and Barbara Walters during American Women in Radio and Television book launch luncheon for "Making Waves: The 50 Greatest Women in Radio and Television" at Tavern on the Green in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)

 

Connie Chung: A Trailblazing Journalist Who Broke Barriers and Inspired Generations

Connie Chung’s journey to becoming one of America’s most prominent journalists began with sheer determination. Reflecting on her early career, Chung recalls walking into a local TV station and confidently stating, “I can learn. I don’t have experience, but I can do this job.” That bold move was the start of a remarkable four-decade career that would see her break numerous barriers in journalism.

Breaking Into TV News

Chung’s tenacity was evident from the start. After being hired as a newsroom assistant, she immediately set her sights on the news desk. Her husband, Maury Povich, remembers her audacity: “She told the news director, ‘No, I want that job, weekend writer on the news desk.’” When the director told her she’d need to replace herself, she did just that—recruiting a bank teller to take her place. This fierce drive to succeed caught the attention of CBS News.

Chung’s boldness paid off when she barged into a restaurant cited for health violations, unknowingly in front of the CBS bureau chief, who offered her his card and a future with the network. In 1971, Chung joined the male-dominated CBS News Washington bureau, where she adopted the confidence of her male colleagues to survive and thrive.

Climbing the Ranks at NBC

Chung didn’t stop at CBS. She later moved to NBC, where she wore many hats, anchoring the news before the "Today" show, covering politics for "Nightly News", and even doing weekend segments. This multitasking demanded sleepless nights, but her relentless work ethic drove her forward.

Reflecting on her career, Chung attributed her success to a unique blend of her American upbringing and her Chinese heritage. “Dutiful. Always does the right thing,” she said, describing her upbringing. Her drive to succeed came from both cultures, creating a “combo platter” that propelled her to the top.

Maury Povich, Connie Chung, and Maury Povich's Parents (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Major Interviews and High-Profile Coverage

Chung’s career was marked by groundbreaking interviews. In 1991, she famously secured an interview with Magic Johnson after he announced he was HIV-positive. She waited in his agent’s office, refusing to leave until she got her interview. She was also the first to interview the captain of the Exxon Valdez following the devastating Alaska oil spill.

However, the pressure for ratings led Chung to cover more sensational stories, such as the Tonya Harding skating scandal and tabloid-style documentaries. Looking back, Chung expressed regret that she couldn’t turn down such assignments, feeling the weight of network demands.

Personal Life and Family Challenges

Chung’s upbringing as the youngest of five sisters, and the only one born in America, came with high expectations. Her father wanted her to carry on the family name, and she far exceeded those expectations by becoming a trailblazer in journalism. In 1993, she achieved her dream of co-anchoring the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. While the partnership wasn’t as smooth as she had hoped, Chung remained proud of her accomplishments.

After two years, Chung was fired from CBS, a moment that left her “absolutely crushed.” But life had other plans—just days later, she and Povich adopted their son Matthew, a moment that brought joy after years of miscarriages and infertility struggles. “He never left my arm,” Chung recalls. “To this day, he’s a grown man and so wonderful.”

The "Connie Generation" and Her Legacy

At the age of 49, Chung reflected on her life and career, admitting, “I could never declare success. I was born Chinese. I’m born humble. Never enough.” However, in 2022, a New York Times article highlighted a new phenomenon: Chinese, Korean, and Japanese parents naming their daughters after her, calling them the "Connie Generation." This unexpected honor helped Chung realize her impact. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said, acknowledging the success she had long hesitated to claim.

Asked what her name meant to these parents, Chung replied, “Work hard, be brave, and take risks. I wasn’t the smartest or the toughest, but those three things, I did.”

From breaking into TV newsrooms to becoming an icon for aspiring journalists, Connie Chung’s career exemplifies the power of perseverance, bravery, and ambition. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women across the globe.