Connie Chung Net Worth

Connie Chung’s Net Worth and Career: A Look at the Veteran Journalist

Introduction: Connie Chung’s Impressive Career

Connie Chung is a highly respected and recognizable name in American journalism. With a career spanning several decades, she has become a prominent figure in television news, known for her insightful interviews, on-air presence, and the controversies that have occasionally punctuated her career. This article delves into Connie Chung’s net worth, explores her extensive career across multiple major networks, and examines her personal life and lasting impact on the world of journalism.

What is Connie Chung’s Net Worth?

Connie Chung’s net worth is estimated to be $80 million. This figure represents the combined net worth of Connie Chung and her husband, the celebrated talk show host Maury Povich. The couple has been married since 1984 and have built a life together, including raising their family.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1946, Connie Chung’s early life was shaped by her family’s immigration from China. She was the youngest of ten children, and her family’s history included significant wartime experiences. Chung’s father, William, was an intelligence officer during the Chinese Nationalist Government. She attended Montgomery Blair High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1969.

Chung began her journalism career in the 1970s during the Watergate scandal. She worked as a Washington-based correspondent for the “CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.” Her early work set the stage for a distinguished career in television news.

Career at NBC: Anchoring and Newsmagazines

Connie Chung’s career saw her move across several major television networks. In 1983, she returned to network news at NBC, taking on the role of anchor for the new program “NBC News at Sunrise.” She also anchored the Saturday edition of “NBC Nightly News” and substituted for Tom Brokaw on weeknights. Chung co-hosted NBC’s newsmagazines “1986” and “American Almanac” with Roger Mudd, further expanding her presence in network news.

CBS and Controversies: Headline-Making Interviews

In 1989, Chung joined CBS. She hosted “Saturday Night with Connie Chung,” later renamed “Face to Face with Connie Chung,” which aired for a year. In 1993, she made history as the second woman to co-anchor the national weekday news broadcast of a major television network when she anchored the “CBS Sunday Evening News.” During her time at CBS, she also hosted “Eye to Eye with Connie Chung.”

Her time at CBS was marked by controversy. One particularly notable incident occurred in 1995 when Chung interviewed Kathleen Gingrich, the mother of then-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. In a moment captured by an open microphone, Kathleen Gingrich’s response to a question about Hillary Clinton sparked significant public and media attention, leading to unwanted publicity and criticism. Another controversy arose after Chung’s interview of a fireman following the Oklahoma City bombing. Her perceived insensitivity led to widespread criticism, culminating in her removal as co-anchor of “CBS Evening News.” Eventually, she left the network altogether, marking a significant turning point in her career.

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Career at ABC: “20/20” and Guest Hosting

In 1997, Connie Chung moved to ABC News, where she co-hosted the Monday edition of “20/20” with Charles Gibson. She also served as a guest host on “Good Morning America,” though she did not take on a permanent role. In 2001, Chung conducted a memorable interview on “Primetime Thursday” with US Representative Gary Condit, who was involved in the disappearance of Chandra Levy.

Career at CNN: “Connie Chung Tonight”

For a period, Chung hosted her own show on CNN titled “Connie Chung Tonight.” Although the program performed reasonably well with audiences, it received negative reviews from critics. The show was eventually suspended in 2003 during the onset of the Iraq War. Chung requested CNN to resume the broadcast, but the network cancelled it.

MSNBC: “Weekends with Maury and Connie”

In 2006, Chung and her husband, Maury Povich, began hosting “Weekends with Maury and Connie” on MSNBC. However, the show was short-lived, and was cancelled after a few months. Chung’s final episode included a memorable farewell performance, which included her dancing on a piano and singing an off-key parody of the song “Thanks for the Memory.”

Style of Interview: A Blend of Gentleness and Aggression

Connie Chung’s interview style has been noted for its distinct mix of approaches. She often balanced a gentle demeanor with a capacity for direct, sometimes aggressive questioning. Compared to some of her contemporaries like Mike Wallace and Barbara Walters, Chung was frequently perceived as softer, making her a preferred choice for controversial figures seeking to rehabilitate their public images. Among the notable individuals she interviewed were Claus von Bülow, and she was the first journalist to interview Magic Johnson after his HIV diagnosis.

Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Faith

Connie Chung has been married to talk show host Maury Povich since 1984. Upon their marriage, Chung converted to Judaism. She has since devoted considerable time to her faith, maintaining a kosher lifestyle and attending synagogue with her family. Together, Chung and Povich adopted a son, Matthew, in 1995.

In 2006, Chung held a teaching fellowship at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. During her time there, she wrote a discussion paper titled “The Business of Getting ‘The Get’: Nailing an Exclusive Interview in Prime Time.”

Real Estate: Homes in Washington, D.C., and Montana

In 2009, reports indicated that Connie Chung and Maury Povich purchased a property in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, D.C. They reportedly signed a contract to buy a house for $9 million, spanning 12,500 square feet. The couple wanted to return to the city where they both grew up after living in New York City for many years.

The property, constructed in 1929, features brick-style architecture and includes outdoor amenities like a pool, koi pond, gazebo, and extensively landscaped gardens. A rooftop terrace provides sweeping city views. While the exact purchase price remains undisclosed, it was likely near the $9 million listing. Additionally, Maury and Connie own a ranch in Bigfork, Montana, where they spend several months annually.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy in Journalism

Connie Chung’s career is a testament to her dedication and talent as a journalist. From her early days covering the Watergate scandal to her interviews with prominent figures, Chung has left an undeniable mark on the world of television news. Despite the controversies she faced, her ability to engage audiences and conduct memorable interviews has cemented her legacy as a respected and influential journalist. Her net worth reflects her successful career, and her impact continues to be felt within the industry.