Early Life and Education
Born on August 20, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Connie Chung was the youngest of ten children. Her family had emigrated from China shortly before her birth, fleeing the turmoil of war. Tragically, five of her siblings had died in China during wartime. Her father was a Chinese Nationalist Government intelligence officer. Growing up in a household shaped by resilience and determination, Chung was instilled with a strong work ethic that would later define her career.
Chung attended Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, and later pursued journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1969, marking the beginning of her journey into the media industry.
Career Highlights
Chung began her journalism career as a Washington-based correspondent for the “CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite” in the early 1970s. This period was significant as she covered key events, including the Watergate scandal, which was a defining moment in American politics. Her sharp reporting skills and ability to ask tough questions quickly gained her recognition.
NBC News (1983-1989)
In 1983, Chung joined NBC and became the anchor of “NBC News at Sunrise.” She also served as the Saturday anchor for “NBC Nightly News” and occasionally filled in for Tom Brokaw on weekday broadcasts. During her tenure at NBC, she co-hosted newsmagazine programs such as “1986” and “American Almanac” alongside Roger Mudd, further showcasing her versatility as a journalist.
CBS News (1989-1995)
In 1989, Chung made history when she joined CBS, becoming the second woman to co-anchor “CBS Evening News” after Barbara Walters. However, her time at CBS was not without controversy. Two of her most notable interviews—one with Newt Gingrich’s mother and another with a firefighter after the Oklahoma City bombing—sparked backlash, eventually leading to her departure from the network.
ABC News (1997-2002)
Chung transitioned to ABC News in 1997, where she co-hosted “20/20” alongside Charles Gibson. She also guest-hosted “Good Morning America” but declined a permanent role. One of her most widely discussed interviews came in 2001, when she questioned U.S. Representative Gary Condit about his relationship with the late intern Chandra Levy. This interview was highly anticipated and garnered widespread media attention.
Personal Life and Legacy
Connie Chung married talk show host Maury Povich in 1984, and the couple has maintained a strong and enduring marriage. After their wedding, she converted to Judaism and has since remained devoted to her faith, keeping a kosher lifestyle and regularly attending synagogue with her family. In 1995, Chung and Povich adopted a son, Matthew, embracing parenthood together.
