Quick Read
- Joan Lunden’s new memoir, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script,” was released this week.
- The memoir details an alleged sexual harassment incident involving an early WABC-TV boss, referred to as “Ted,” in 1975.
- Lunden claims “Ted” invited her to a fake work event on Fire Island, then pressured her to share a bedroom.
- After her rejection, “Ted” allegedly retaliated by systematically blocking Lunden’s stories from airing, impacting her income and reputation.
- Lunden confronted “Ted” with legal action, which led to the cessation of the retaliatory behavior.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Veteran journalist and former “Good Morning America” co-anchor Joan Lunden has released her new memoir, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script,” this week, detailing an alleged incident of sexual harassment and professional retaliation by an early television boss at WABC-TV in New York in 1975. The candid revelations are sparking renewed discussions about workplace dynamics and gender issues within the media industry, offering a firsthand account from a prominent figure.
Lunden, now 75, recounts her early days as a reporter and weekend co-anchor at WABC-TV, a position she held from 1975 until her debut on “Good Morning America” in 1979. In her book, she refers to the colleague and mentor involved in the incident as “Ted,” explaining he initially helped her edit stories.
Early Career Harassment Allegations
The turning point, Lunden writes, came when “Ted” invited her to what he described as an “Eyewitness News get-together” on Fire Island. Believing it was a professional networking opportunity, Lunden agreed to attend. However, upon arrival, she quickly realized the event was a thinly veiled attempt at an overnight double-date, with only two other people present: a local WCBS reporter and his girlfriend. Lunden describes feeling “embarrassed” by her naivety and “offended as a woman that a guy—my superior at work—thought he could get away with this!” as reported by People.
As evening fell, Lunden found herself in an uncomfortable and frightening situation, far from an easy exit. She confronted “Ted,” stating, “Ted, you know this is not what I signed up for.” Despite her plea, “Ted” allegedly attempted to charm her into staying, later pressuring her to share a bedroom with him. Lunden ultimately spent an uneasy night on the living room sofa before leaving first thing the next morning, according to USA TODAY.
Professional Retaliation and Confrontation
Upon her return to the office that Monday, Lunden observed a dramatic shift in “Ted’s” demeanor. She writes, “I was about to find out that hell hath no fury like a man scorned.” “Ted” began systematically “killing” her stories, preventing them from making the show lineup. This not only impacted her professional standing but also directly affected her income, as reporters at the time were paid an additional fee for each story aired. Lunden described feeling “vulnerable and helpless” as her reputation suffered due to her stories not airing and the newsroom becoming aware of her Fire Island trip with her superior.
The alleged professional retaliation continued for several months. Lunden eventually took decisive action, calling “Ted” into her office. She confronted him directly, stating, “This has to stop. Now. I’m not putting up with it another day.” Lunden informed him that she had consulted her agent and lawyer and was prepared to file a lawsuit against him and WABC-TV for sexual harassment and discrimination, confident in her chances of winning. This firm stance, she notes, “got his attention.” She offered him one chance to rectify the situation, warning of immediate legal action if the behavior persisted.
Impact and Broader Discussions in Media
Lunden writes that the retaliatory behavior immediately ceased after her confrontation. She felt “vindicated” by her actions and expressed hope that “Ted” would read her account. Her memoir sheds light on the challenges women faced in the media industry during that era, often navigating subtle and overt forms of harassment and discrimination. Lunden’s story highlights the personal and professional costs of such experiences and the courage required to confront power imbalances in the workplace.
Lunden’s decision to share these deeply personal and challenging experiences decades later underscores the ongoing relevance of discussions surrounding workplace harassment and gender dynamics, particularly in high-profile industries like media, and may empower others to reflect on their own past experiences.