Connie Chung Reflects on Her Career and Remembers Barbara Walters with Heartfelt Tributes

In a rare and emotional interview at the Silurians Press Club’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony on April 23, 2024, legendary journalist Connie Chung reflected on her remarkable career and honored her late friend and colleague, Barbara Walters, the iconic broadcaster who passed away in 2022. Chung, who is 78 years old, took a moment to share candid stories from her time working with Walters at ABC News, acknowledging the intense pressures they faced as female journalists in a male-dominated industry.

Chung’s words were filled with admiration for Walters, whom she described as a trailblazer and a woman who “deserved her queendom.” As one of the first women to co-anchor a network evening newscast, Barbara Walters was a force in the world of television journalism, and Chung’s recounting of their time together shed light on the bond they shared, as well as the challenges that came with competing for a limited amount of airtime as women in the business.

A Fierce Professional Rivalry: Walters and Sawyer

Chung’s career stories were also a reflection of the competitive environment at ABC News, especially during the time when she worked alongside Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer. As Chung recalled, the network was a battleground for women, with Walters and Sawyer often “battling each other” for the spotlight. At the time, both women were trying to carve out their own space in an industry where men dominated the airwaves.

“Unfortunately, we as women were given such a tiny sliver of the pie that I found that the women were fighting each other for that tiny sliver,” Chung explained during her speech. She went on to describe how men at the network—like Peter Jennings and Ted Koppel—were afforded far more opportunities and airtime, leaving female journalists like herself and her colleagues with much less.

Chung’s comments shed light on the subtle yet significant gender dynamics at play during this period in television journalism. The idea of women in media fighting for recognition against powerful male figures was not just a passing moment but a recurring theme in Chung’s career. Yet, despite these challenges, Chung maintained that both Walters and Sawyer “deserved their place” at the top.

“I thought we would be a triumvirate who would be ganging up against Peter Jennings and Koppel, but they didn’t see it that way,” Chung reflected, humorously recalling how she “dodged bullets” during this competitive time. This candid reflection highlights the complex interplay of professional rivalry and friendship between the women of ABC News.

The Tensions of Co-Anchoring: Navigating a Male-Dominated World

Chung also shared how she and Walters had a shared experience of breaking barriers in the field of broadcast journalism. Walters made history by becoming the first woman to co-anchor a network evening newscast with Harry Reasoner at ABC News, while Chung became the first woman to co-anchor with Dan Rather at CBS Evening News.

Both women were subjected to significant opposition from their male co-anchors, with Chung admitting that “Harry and Dan despised us, absolutely despised our existence.” This admission sheds light on the struggles female journalists faced in the 1970s and 1980s, when breaking into the world of network news was still a battle, especially for women. Despite the resistance, both Walters and Chung went on to achieve legendary careers, paving the way for future generations of women in journalism.

The personal and professional struggles they both experienced seem to have created an unspoken bond between the two women, who shared not only their career milestones but also their roles as breadwinners in their families. Chung and Walters both found themselves as primary financial providers for their families, a responsibility that added another layer of complexity to their already demanding careers.

A Shared Legacy of Family and Resilience

In addition to her professional tributes, Chung also touched on the personal aspects of her relationship with Walters, noting their shared experiences as mothers and women who had to balance their careers with family life. Both women adopted children—Walters with her daughter Jacqueline and Chung with her son, whom she and her husband, Maury Povich, adopted in 1995. Chung’s memoir, Connie, which was released in 2024, was written with the encouragement of her husband, Maury Povich, who convinced her to share her personal story. “Maury said, ‘You have a story to tell,’ and I said, ‘I don’t have a story to tell.’ And he said, ‘No, yes you do. You’re the Jackie Robinson of news,’” she shared with a smile, describing how Povich pushed her to document her experiences.

This poignant moment showed the deep bond between the couple and how Povich’s belief in her legacy as a pioneering journalist encouraged Chung to reflect on her journey. Her memoir is a testament to her contributions to journalism and the indelible mark she has left on the industry.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Chung’s comments about her late friend Barbara Walters at the Silurians Press Club event were a powerful reminder of the difficult journey women in media had to endure to make their voices heard. Walters, who broke new ground for women in journalism, not only paved the way for Chung but also for countless other women who followed in their footsteps. Chung’s recognition of Walters as a trailblazer highlights the significant role Walters played in reshaping the media landscape for women.

But Chung’s own legacy is equally powerful. She herself broke barriers as one of the first women to anchor a major network evening newscast. Her career spans decades, and her commitment to journalism remains unwavering. As Chung accepted the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, her words stood as a reminder that the fight for equality in the workplace, particularly for women, continues—just as it did when she and Walters first made their mark.

The Power of Friendship and Support

As Chung reflected on her career and her friendship with Walters, it was clear that the relationship they shared was one of mutual respect and admiration. Walters, who was known for her trailblazing career and her commitment to breaking down barriers for women, had a lasting impact on Chung both professionally and personally. Chung’s words about Walters encapsulate the deep connection between the two women and their shared experiences in navigating a male-dominated industry.

Chung’s tribute to Walters was not just a professional acknowledgment, but a heartfelt remembrance of their shared struggles, triumphs, and the bond they had built over the years. As Chung continues to inspire others with her incredible journey, her recognition at the Silurians Press Club event reminds us of the importance of mentorship, friendship, and the power of women lifting each other up.

Conclusion: Honoring Legends and Celebrating Women in Journalism

Connie Chung’s tribute to Barbara Walters at the Silurians Press Club’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges women face in the world of journalism and the importance of breaking down barriers. Both women were pioneers in their field, and Chung’s career—filled with accomplishments, struggles, and moments of triumph—stands as a testament to their resilience and the strength it takes to be a woman in a high-profile, competitive industry.

Through their careers, Chung and Walters not only shaped the future of journalism but also opened doors for future generations of women to follow. The legacy they left behind is not just one of professional achievement, but one of mentorship, courage, and the power of breaking through obstacles to achieve greatness.