Connie Chung is a pioneering American journalist whose career has significantly shaped the landscape of broadcast news. She began her journey in journalism after graduating from the University of Maryland in 1969, initially working as a copywriter and reporter at a Washington, D.C. television station. In 1971, she joined CBS, where she gained prominence as a correspondent during the Watergate scandal, working alongside legendary anchor Walter Cronkite. Her move to Los Angeles in 1976 saw her anchoring local news, where she helped establish a reputable identity for CBS’s KNXT channel.
In 1983, Chung transitioned to NBC, where she anchored the early morning program NBC News at Sunrise and hosted various prime-time specials. Her return to CBS in 1989 marked a significant milestone as she became the second woman to co-anchor a major network’s national weekday news broadcast with the CBS Evening News. Chung’s tenure at CBS was marked by her engaging interview style, securing exclusive interviews with notable figures, including U.S. President Richard Nixon and basketball legend Magic Johnson.
Chung’s career continued to flourish as she joined ABC News in the late 1990s, where she co-hosted the Monday edition of 20/20 and contributed to Good Morning America. Her ability to tackle sensitive topics and conduct in-depth interviews solidified her reputation as a formidable journalist. In the early 2000s, she hosted her own show on CNN, Connie Chung Tonight, and later appeared on MSNBC, showcasing her versatility in the industry.
Throughout her illustrious career, Chung has received numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards and a George Foster Peabody Award. In 2024, she released her memoir, “Connie,” reflecting on her groundbreaking journey as one of the first women and the first Asian American to anchor a major network newscast, inspiring countless journalists and paving the way for future generations in the field.