Joan Lunden, a prominent figure in American broadcasting, has shared a deeply personal account of harassment she faced early in her career. In her new memoir, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script,” the veteran journalist details a troubling incident involving a powerful newsroom executive who allegedly attempted to make unwanted advances and later sought to undermine her career.
Lunden, now 75, reflects on her experiences while working at WABC-TV‘s Eyewitness News in New York, where she co-anchored weekend broadcasts starting in 1975. During this formative period, she formed a professional relationship with a colleague she identifies only as “Ted.” Initially, their interactions seemed entirely professional, with Ted assisting her in editing stories. However, this dynamic changed dramatically after he invited her to what he described as a team gathering on Fire Island.
Believing it to be a chance to socialize with colleagues, Lunden accepted the invitation. Upon arrival, she quickly realized the situation was not as it had been presented. Instead of a professional gathering, she found herself in an awkward scenario with just Ted and another couple, leading her to feel trapped and uncomfortable. In her memoir, she expresses her embarrassment and anger, stating, “I was embarrassed that I’d been so naive as to let this situation unfold, and I was offended as a woman that a guy—my superior at work—thought he could get away with this!”
The evening took a more disturbing turn when Ted attempted to pressure her into sharing a bedroom, a request she firmly declined. Instead, she spent the night on a sofa, anxious to escape the uncomfortable situation. Despite her efforts to confront him the following week, his behavior shifted to one of retaliation, with Lunden claiming he began removing her stories from the broadcast lineup. This not only impacted her income but also her professional reputation.
In her memoir, Lunden recounts the moment she decided to confront Ted directly. She accused him of deliberately keeping her stories off the air and warned him about potential legal action. Her firm stance prompted a change in his behavior, and the retaliation ceased.
Despite this unsettling episode, Lunden went on to become a household name, notably as a co-anchor for “Good Morning America.” She broke barriers in broadcasting, famously bringing her infant daughter to work while breastfeeding, which sparked national conversations about working mothers in the media.
Lunden’s time on “Good Morning America” lasted over a decade before she faced challenges related to sexism and ageism, as she describes being replaced by a younger version of herself at the age of 47. Rather than fight the decision publicly, she chose to exit gracefully, stating, “I believe in going out with class.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Lunden’s life took a significant turn in 2014, when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. The diagnosis shocked her, as she had always considered herself healthy. She has since become an advocate for cancer awareness, sharing her journey with others.
Away from the spotlight, Lunden emphasizes her family life, sharing three daughters with her first husband, television producer Michael A. Krauss, and later welcoming twins through surrogacy with her second husband, Jeff Konigsberg. As she celebrates milestones with her children and grandchildren, Lunden remains active in the media, maintaining her presence through social media and public appearances.
Through her memoir, Lunden revisits not only her career accomplishments but also the challenges that shaped her. By openly discussing her experiences with harassment and retaliation, she hopes to inspire others to confront similar issues in their own lives. Her story is one of resilience and determination, reflecting a career that has paved the way for future generations of women in broadcasting.
