The Big iDEA!: Broadcasting with Ann Curry

Interviewed by Jasmin Thankachen

Ann Curry
Co-Anchor/Correspondent
NBC’s Today Show

The Today Show includes some of the most well known faces in America, one of which is Ann Curry, an ethnic-looking woman whose remarkable poise is admired by the many who watch. Born in Guam to an American career Navy man and a Japanese rice farmer’s daughter, Ann never imagined herself to be an on-air personality. Growing up, she never really saw women on TV, especially women of color, but through her determination to prove that she could make it in the television industry, Ann began her journalism career. She accelerated into becoming one of the most widely recognized morning show hosts, joining the ranks of Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, and Al Roker. Ann has been recognized in many ways for her meaningful work, including two Emmys – one for her coverage of the October 1987 Los Angeles earthquake and another for her coverage of the explosion of a gas pipeline in San Bernadino. She has also won many Golden Mike Awards, an NAACP Award for Excellence in Broadcasting, and the Japanese American National Museum Award for Excellence. Ann currently lives in New York with her husband and two children. Take a look at what Ann had to say to SAWLF members about her career, the purpose of journalism, and her tip on networking.

1. What are some of your professional influences?

Now, it is myself. I am influenced by my core sense of ethics for this job, by my core internal voice. I don’t do this job for the fame or fortune. I do this job to help other people. I do this to shine a light in places of darkness. I really believe that the American people can make a change and I believe in the American public.

2. How did you know that journalism was “it” for you?

Watergate and the Vietnam War were both big events that influenced my decision to get into journalism. I learned that you can’t place your faith in the government, but you can place your faith in the American people. I found that without reporters, the truth would not be known. Only when people knew the truth could there be democracy.

3. What is the one thing that you wish you had known before entering this industry?

That I had to wear make-up. That I had to look good all the time. But seriously, I wish I had known that it was a daily battle to keep your ideas, to stand beside your ideals. I wish that I knew that there were going to be battles with my core beliefs, ones that I did not want to lose. In news, there is a lot of scandal, I’m not proud of that. There is a difference between need to know and want to know and I think the media feeds into what the public wants to know. In my heart, I’m a hard news woman in an industry that has grown soft.

4. What are some challenges that women face in the TV industry? Where do you see journalism in the next decade?

It is definitely not a level playing field. Women have been blocked in many respects from reaching higher ground. But we have made progress within the past decade and can only continue to. Behind the scenes, you don’t see too much diversity, in fact at the Today Show, there is only one African American producer. On-air, there are have been some changes in who you see reporting the news and we hope to see more in the next generation. I know that the change has started and is not stopping.

5. How has your professional network helped you in attaining the position that you hold today?

My professional network is not what really helped me. I believe that the public likes my work and I’m successful because I take care of the public and they take care of me. My network did provide me with moral guidance, a place where we can share our experiences and learn from each other. No one has really made my road easier, I have done the work and I am successful because of it.

6. What are some things that our readers need to know before entering the television/media/journalism industry?

Always know that your success is ultimately based on your own determination and hard work. What you achieve is not something that God gives you, but something that you decide to do. Also be very smart in the way you cross hurdles, in essence you are paving the way for people behind you.

7. How has being Japanese-American helped you in your career?

Well, because of my culture, I was able to make my own beats, and was made the go-to person. I brought a different voice to the news because of my ethnicity. I wasn’t raised like others either, I was raised poor. That gave me an advantage to recognize issues that affected everyday Americans and allowed me to be a voice among the voiceless.

8. You have covered September 11th in such great depth with exclusive interviews and follow-ups – How do you think journalism has changed since that day?

I think journalism has gotten more schizophrenic. The American public can’t handle too much of the truth, in turn allowing the news to cover world issues inadequately. News is now more frivolous than serious. There is definitely a lot more hype to what is going on.

9. Are you living your dream job? What is you ultimate goal in your career?

I can’t see my future right now. That’s something that I’ve been recently thinking about. My ultimate goal was to be the next Tom Brokaw and that’s still possible, but not probable.

10. How do you keep a balance between being an anchor, a wife, and a mother?

I can tell you that it is very difficult to keep a balance, but I have been able to do so by giving 100% no matter what, to that particular area. If I’m with my kids I’m with them and don’t think about other things.

11. What is it about news/journalism/NBC that keeps you coming back everyday?

Simply put, it’s the chance to do good and to help others. I have always and will always believe in that concept.

Comments

[Johnny Truth]

This woman is so freakin' annoying it's amazing they keep her on the tube. If she wasn't a female of mixed ethnicity - they wouldn't.

[Mandi]

I think you are being too hard on her. If you have ever watched an episode of The Soup then you know that anyone who can say "Good Morning" that many times is extremely talented.

[Jeff taranto]

I disagree with the above comment. She is so gorgeous! I hope I have a wife as beautiful as her at her age.