Podcast Summary: Fresh Air – "Connie Chung Regrets Being A Good Girl"

Title: Fresh Air
Host: Tanya Moseley
Episode: Connie Chung Regrets Being A Good Girl
Release Date: December 27, 2024
Description: In this episode, Tanya Moseley engages in an in-depth conversation with pioneering TV journalist Connie Chung. They explore Chung's trailblazing career in television news, the challenges she faced as a woman of Asian descent in a male-dominated field, her high-profile interviews, and her personal life, including her relationship with husband Maury Povich.

Introduction to Connie Chung’s Career

Tanya Moseley opens the episode by highlighting Connie Chung's significant contributions to television journalism. As one of the first Asian American women to anchor a national news program, Chung broke numerous barriers in the industry.

Tanya Moseley [00:17]: "Chung was a key player in every major news cycle, covering Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, and the State Department."

Chung's tenure across major networks—ABC, NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and CBS—is discussed, emphasizing her role as the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News alongside Dan Rather in 1993.

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

Chung delves into the sexism prevalent in the newsroom, especially during her time covering events like the 1972 presidential campaign.

Connie Chung [05:31]: "No, no, it wasn't dangerous. It was just fraught with sexism. And, I mean, I think they all saw me as this unusual little toy."

She recounts how being one of the few women in the press corps made her a novelty, often underestimated by her male counterparts. To counter this, Chung used humor as a tool to disarm and compete effectively, eventually earning respect by securing exclusive stories that her male colleagues overlooked.

Connie Chung [05:59]: "I just developed this sense of humor. And what I did was I tried to get them before they got me."

Challenges and High-Profile Interviews

One of the most challenging interviews Chung discusses is with Donald Trump in 1990. She reflects on the aftermath of this interview, where Trump publicly disparaged her, labeling her a "lightweight" and undermining her journalistic integrity.

Connie Chung [01:44]: "What Donald Trump does, of course, is make a lot of money and make sure everybody knows it."

This confrontation led to a strained relationship, exemplified by Trump avoiding her at public events.

Additionally, Chung highlights her groundbreaking interview with Magic Johnson in 1991, just a month after he disclosed his HIV-positive status. This interview was not only a pivotal moment in her career but also a significant event in public discourse surrounding HIV/AIDS.

Connie Chung [28:00]: "You've known for about a month now that you test positive for HIV. How are you handling it?"

Personal Life and Relationship with Maury Povich

Chung provides a candid look into her personal life, particularly her long-standing marriage to talk show host Maury Povich. Despite their differing public personas—Chung as a respected journalist and Povich known for his sensational paternity tests—their relationship thrives on mutual respect and understanding.

Connie Chung [12:30]: "But also, he says, 'I'm just a trashy talk show host.' So he's a very down-to-earth, realistic guy."

She shares anecdotes about their interactions and the balance they maintain between their professional and personal lives. A notable moment includes a humorous skit with David Letterman, highlighting the playful dynamic between Chung and Povich.

Connie Chung [15:27]: "Connie, that's great."

David Letterman: "What exactly do. What's the purpose of shoe trees? What do they do?"

Reflections on Journalism and Media Today

Chung expresses her concerns about the current state of journalism, lamenting the shift towards opinion-based reporting and sensationalism. She advocates for a return to objective, investigative journalism that seeks truth and fosters informed public discourse.

Connie Chung [38:28]: "I really appreciate the investigative reporting in television news... I would really like the news to swing back to objective, honest, credible, straight, straight news."

Chung reminisces about the depth and rigor of past journalism practices, emphasizing the importance of digging deeper and maintaining high standards in reporting.

Legacy and Influence

Throughout the conversation, Chung reflects on her legacy and the impact she has had on aspiring journalists, particularly women and Asian Americans. She acknowledges the progress made in the industry but also underscores the ongoing challenges, including prevailing sexism and rising Asian hate.

Connie Chung [37:16]: "It's the automatic respect that men get just by virtue of the fact that they're men... we just continue to move forward."

Chung credits Barbara Walters as a significant influence and pioneer who paved the way for women in journalism.

Connie Chung [09:27]: "I admired Barbara because she paved our way."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In closing, Chung emphasizes the need for continued progress in the field of journalism, advocating for fairness, equality, and a steadfast commitment to truth. Her memoir serves as both a personal narrative and a call to action for future generations to uphold the integrity of journalism.

Connie Chung [38:07]: "We are perpetually trying to prove ourselves... we need to continue to move forward."

The episode concludes with Tanya Moseley praising Chung for her impactful career and contributions to the industry.

Connie Chung [40:34]: "Tanya, you did the best interview that I've done on this that I've ever done."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Connie Chung [01:44]: "What Donald Trump does, of course, is make a lot of money and make sure everybody knows it."
• Connie Chung [05:31]: "No, no, it wasn't dangerous. It was just fraught with sexism."
• Connie Chung [28:00]: "You've known for about a month now that you test positive for HIV. How are you handling it?"
• Connie Chung [38:07]: "We are perpetually trying to prove ourselves... we need to continue to move forward."

Reflections:

This episode of Fresh Air provides a comprehensive look into Connie Chung's illustrious career and personal life. Tanya Moseley's adept interviewing uncovers the complexities of Chung's journey as a pioneering woman in journalism, her interactions with high-profile figures, and her dedication to maintaining journalistic integrity. The conversation not only celebrates Chung's achievements but also sheds light on the systemic challenges that persist in the media landscape.