Audie Cornish, the host of ‘CNN This Morning’, has become a familiar face on the morning news circuit. Earlier this year, Cornish took over hosting duties for the 6 a.m. hour of the show, bringing her wealth of experience to the morning news program. With a background in radio and journalism, Cornish has quickly made her mark on the show, delivering the latest news and stories to viewers each morning.
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Cornish’s journey in media began at The Associated Press in Boston before moving on to host NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday in 2011. She later transitioned to All Things Considered, eventually becoming a full-time host in 2013. After a successful tenure at NPR, Cornish joined CNN+ in January 2022, where she also launched her weekly interview podcast, The Assignment with Audie Cornish.
A ‘latchkey kid’, Cornish credits her love for journalism to her upbringing and the influence of daytime talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue. She was drawn to telling stories about ordinary people, rather than just focusing on celebrities, which laid the foundation for her passion for storytelling and interviewing. Cornish’s family’s move from Jamaica to Boston in the 1980s further shaped her perspective on the world and her approach to journalism.
Despite her busy schedule as a morning news anchor, Cornish remains connected to her roots as a former drum major in the marching band at Randolph High School in Massachusetts. She fondly recalls her time in the marching band, highlighting the unique traditions and musical performances that influenced her. This experience also introduced her to the rich history of marching bands at historically black colleges and universities, sparking her curiosity about cultural traditions and performances.
Cornish’s determination to pursue a career in media was evident early on when she took a bold step to secure her first internship while working as a bank teller. By seizing the opportunity to speak to executives and showcase her passion for media, she landed her first role in communications, setting the stage for her future in journalism. This experience taught her the importance of advocating for oneself and taking risks to achieve one’s goals.
One of the defining moments in Cornish’s career came during her time at The Associated Press in Boston, where she covered the events of September 11, 2001. As a young journalist, she found herself thrust into the midst of a historic tragedy, reporting on the aftermath of the terror attacks and interviewing those affected by the events. This experience shaped her understanding of the power of journalism and the impact it can have on the world.
In her downtime, Cornish unwinds by indulging in reality TV, particularly international romance shows on platforms like Netflix. She finds these shows to be not only entertaining but also insightful, offering a glimpse into different cultures and communities. The structured format of dating shows provides a sense of closure that contrasts with the uncertainties of the news cycle, allowing Cornish to take a break from the intensity of her work.
As Audie Cornish continues to captivate audiences with her compelling storytelling and insightful interviews on ‘CNN This Morning’, her journey from a curious latchkey kid to a respected morning news anchor serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and media professionals. Her dedication to authentic storytelling and her ability to connect with viewers make her a valuable asset to the world of journalism.