Joan Lunden is recounting her first job in newscasting
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Lunden had plans to go into medicine after high school, but ultimately went in a different direction when a family friend suggested she try news
She was ultimately offered a job on her way back home, though her role would evolve over time
Joan Lundenis reflecting on her first job in television — and how it came as a result of a job offer in a parking lot.
In a new interview withWoman's World,Lunden, 75, said she initially wanted to go into medicine like her cancer surgeon father, until realizing the field wasn't for her.
"I graduated from high school and couldn't wait to go to work in a hospital that he had helped found," she told the outlet. "I found out quickly—scalpels and stitches were not part of my storyline."
When a family friend suggested a career in newscasting in 1973, Lunden went to audition at a Sacramento news station.
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After the interview, she left with no offer to work as a newscaster. However, as she made her way to the parking lot, the local weathercaster saw her and said, I just saw your audition, and I'd like to make you Sacramento's first weather girl."
She took the job, tellingWoman's World, "Somehow, I heard an opportunity, and I said, OK."
Noting that it was an uphill battle to convince the male anchors that she (then a 23-year-old with no experience) was worthy of an anchor role, Lunden was ultimately successful and in 1979,Good Morning Americacame calling.
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Lunden took the job ofGMAanchor after negotiating a contract that would allow her to bring her newborn daughter with her anywhere in the world, so that she could breastfeed.
"There was something ingratiating about waking up in the morning and having a person that's telling you the world is still spinning on its axis and giving you the news of the day, who is also a woman with children who has to deal with diapers and breastfeeding," Joan toldWomen's World. "By the way, you couldn't even say breastfeeding on TV at that time."
She worked as an anchor of the show alongside David Hartman and Charlie Gibson until 1997.
In 2025, whenGood Morning Americacelebrated its 50th anniversary, Lunden was reflective of her time on the show, telling PEOPLE: "Fifty years! Of course, the only thing that freaks me out is, I was here almost from the beginning!"
On Nov. 3, 2025, the veteran journalist joined current anchorsRobin Roberts,Michael StrahanandGeorge Stephanopolous, as well as her former colleaguesDiane Sawyerand Charlie Gibson, for a specialGMAbroadcast to mark the milestone.
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"I never dreamed, in 1979 when I was asked to be the host, that I would've been there for 20 years," she said.
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