Joan Lunden Says Roger Grimsby ‘Exploded’ When She Was Offered Co-Anchor Seat on Eyewitness News: ‘You Don’t Deserve to Sit Next to Me’

Joan Lunden, the renowned television journalist, is sharing some of her most significant early experiences in her newly released memoir, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script”. In the memoir, Lunden reflects on her uncertainties and challenges as a female journalist, particularly highlighting a memorable instance from her first days as a co-anchor at WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News in New York City.

The year was 1976, and Lunden was excited to step into her role as a co-anchor. However, her enthusiasm quickly turned to bewilderment when she discovered that she would be filling in for the popular anchorman Bill Beutel during his vacation. The announcement stirred up an unexpected and furious reaction from her male counterpart, Roger Grimsby.

According to Lunden, Grimsby’s explosive reaction was immediate and intense. “When Grimsby heard—clearly for the first time—that I was given the chance to sit next to him, he exploded, leaping off the sofa and across the room,” she details in her memoir. His tirade was marked by anger and disbelief as he chastised Lunden for what he perceived as an unearned opportunity: “You don’t deserve to sit next to me and anchor the godd–n New York Eyewitness News!” he shouted.

Grimsby’s dissatisfaction culminated in him throwing the show script to the floor and storming out of the office, leaving Lunden standing in disbelief. She describes the moment as “totally shell-shocked,” illustrating the heightened tensions women faced in the newsroom during a time when the media industry was predominantly male.

When the broadcast finally commenced, the atmosphere in the studio was unusually tense. Lunden recalls there was no light-hearted banter or camaraderie usually found before going live. The quiet tension was palpable, and it became clear that Grimsby’s earlier outburst was not an isolated incident.

As Grimsby opened the evening’s news, he slyly referred to Lunden as “Barbara,” an allusion to Barbara Walters, the first female anchor of an evening news show who had recently secured a lucrative contract. This reference was a pointed attempt to undermine Lunden’s professionalism. A disconcerting turn of events unfolded as Grimsby encouraged other male reporters to join him in belittling her, referring to her as “Barbara” after each story throughout the broadcast.

Despite the uncomfortable nature of her debut, Lunden sees the experience as formative. In her memoir, she reflects, “That first broadcast was an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience, but I also think it was an opportunity to grow.” This incident helped solidify her resolve and commitment to her career, demonstrating that challenges could become pathways to personal strength.

Following her tenure at Eyewitness News, Lunden’s career took an upward trajectory as she secured a position as co-anchor of the iconic “Good Morning America” in 1979, a role she maintained until 1997. This career move proved to be a milestone in her professional journey, elevating her profile and strengthening her reputation in the broadcasting industry.

Lunden’s memoir not only chronicles her own experiences but also serves to highlight the broader challenges faced by women in journalism during the 1970s and beyond. Her story offers insight into a transformative period in media history and the strides made by women who fought against resistance in male-dominated workplaces.

Now available to the public, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script” captures Lunden’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs over the years. Her narrative is not just one of personal achievement; it embodies the struggles and victories of countless women who have paved the way for future generations in the industry. As readers delve into Lunden’s memoir, they are reminded of the resilience required to succeed in challenging environments and the importance of supporting one another in the pursuit of professional dreams.