Media Legend Joan Lunden Talks TV on ‘Keepin’ It Real’

Not many people can say they’ve conversed with U.S. presidents, cooked alongside Julia Child and witnessed royal weddings. But Joan Lunden can.

Lunden, an award-winning journalist and television personality, was the host of “Good Morning America” for nearly two decades, making her the longest running female host ever on early morning TV. Throughout her career, she has been present during some of the most pivotal moments in history. Plus, Lunden will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming RE/MAX Broker Owner Conference (BOC) from August 6-8 in Chicago, Illinois.

In the latest episode of “Keepin’ It Real with Nick Bailey,” Lunden joins RE/MAX President and CEO Nick Bailey to share the inside scoop – and her thoughts on the current state of media.

Lunden considers herself an early advocate for unbiased journalism, committed to presenting the timeliest facts to her audience in a thought-provoking manner.

“The goal was to never allow the viewer to know what our opinion was in a story,” she explains.

“[Giving our opinion] wasn’t our job. Our job was to elicit the opinion of our guests.”

A renowned journalist, Lunden covered political movements, gatherings at the White House, royal scandals, and more. She says she connected with interview subjects by taking a genuine interest in them and their issues – rather than demanding answers. She notes that some of the most helpful information she ever gathered from prominent figures came from simply having normal conversations.

“I learned interviewing politicians [that] if you come to them and say, ‘Everybody hates this legislation that you’re trying to get passed. What do you think about? Why did you do that?’ you’ll get nothing. But if you ask, ‘I’m kind of fascinated about this legislation you just wrote. Gosh, how did you come up with it?’ they’ll talk to you forever and you’ll get the answer you wanted without [having to go] up against them,” Lunden says.

This philosophy is an extension of her relatability on-air and off-air.

In talking with Bailey, Lunden was candid in sharing anecdotes of life-changing experiences, including national news that impacted her on a personal level. Curious to peel back the curtain on Lunden’s career, including which U.S. president was her favorite to interview? Tune in to the latest episode of Keepin’ It Real to find out.

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