TV Journalist -- News Anchor Connie Chung Has Poor Ratings, Unethical Behavior To Blame For Ouster

Editor, The Times:

Now, let me get this straight: Connie Chung has accused CBS of being unfair to her because she is a woman. She claims that the network is using her as scapegoat for the poor ratings of "CBS Evening News."

I'm curious, is this the same Connie Chung who last year spent weeks shamelessly traipsing after Tonya Harding hoping for juicy morsels of tabloid trash? What would Edward R. Murrow have said? He must be turning in his grave.

Is this the same Connie Chung who, without regard for journalistic ethics or integrity, broadcast private, off-the-record remarks made by the mother of House Speaker Newt Gingrich? I'm surprised she didn't get fired for that alone. I don't know whose judgment was worse: Chung's for doing what she did, or CBS' for not firing her on the spot. So much for journalistic integrity.

And finally, is this the same Connie Chung whose "Eye to Eye" program came in at 87th in the ratings last week?

To cry sex discrimination in this case is sad and pathetic. If CBS had instead dumped Dan Rather, would Rather now be accusing CBS of unfair treatment on the basis that he is a man? I doubt it.

If Connie Chung's credibility and ratings were not so pitiful, she would not have been dumped. Thomas J. Davidson

Bellevue