Since you asked...
Many of you have written in with questions, so I've decided that every Friday, I'll try to answer some of them.
I’ve followed your career for the past 10 years and was wondering: When did you know you wanted to be a journalist? Did you ever struggle with your confidence to be able to do it?
Posted by Kayla, October 6
I never intended to be a journalist. In fact, I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life once I got out of college (I was an English major). But the January before graduation I took a non-credit class in Broadcast Journalism, just for the fun of it. (The course was taught by a reporter from CBS radio in Boston.)
For our final project we were divided into groups and told to go find a story, write it, and narrate it. My group chose a story on discrimination in the housing market. Once we put together the piece, I was asked to narrate it. CBS sent in one of its big guns to critique our work and when he heard my voice, he asked "Whose voice is that?” I raised my hand and after class he said to me, "What do you want to do with your future? Because I think you’d have a future in journalism." No one had ever said I had a future in anything, so I figured "why not." He asked me to intern at the radio station, and that’s how it all began back in the winter of 1975.
I can’t say it’s always been smooth sailing. There was one time in particular when I really struggled with my confidence.
My first TV job was at the NBC affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island, where I grew up. About six months into the job my boss said he didn’t think I had what it takes to make it in the business. So he fired me.
I remember going home to my parents’ house and sitting in my bedroom crying, feeling pretty well defeated. My Dad walked in and when I told him what had happened he said, “Do you believe in yourself?” "Yes, I do," I told him, between sobs. “Then what do care what anyone else says?” he replied. "There will always be people who’ll tell you ‘you can’t do it.' It’s up to you to tell yourself you can."
That Monday I walked into work and told the boss off: “I don’t care what you say, I’m not going to give up.” I think he was so taken aback that he rehired me. We eventually became friends despite his poor initial judgement…
You are sorely missed on The View. Will you ever make a visit?
Posted by Marilyn Mace, October 11
I’d love to go back and visit The View. I miss my friends there, but it’s fun to watch them. I think Rosie’s doing a terrific job. Can you get me a ticket, Marilyn? I hear the audience giveaways have been great.
What has surprised you the most (good and bad) about coming back and covering the news? Also, do you feel like you are recognized now even more on Today as compared to The View and Millionaire?
Posted by Emilia, October 11
What’s surprised me the most about returning to news is how much I missed telling stories. There’s something incredibly special about often being the first person to let others know what’s happening in the world, as they get up to start their day. Of course in order to do that I have to be up at 3am…but it’s a small sacrifice, to say the least.
As for being recognized more...I’ll never forget the first day here at Rockefeller Center. It seemed as if everyone was walking up to me and wishing me luck as I left the building. It wasn’t until I turned around that I realized there was a huge poster of me with Matt. I guess through the process of elimination, I was instantly recognizable.
(Actually, someone came up to me in a restaurant right before I took the job and said "I think you’re doing a great job, Katie.”)
Keep the questions coming!
This is a womderful blog Meredith. I would like to know what your daily schedule is and how has that impacted your family life. It has to be tough with a demanding job and the family at home.
I hear "celebrities" get mixed up with eachother all the time! I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your (presumably) busy schedule to answer questions. This blog is a great idea.
That is a good story and I think I will show it to my daughter. She wants to be a journalist and I always tell her to always do her best and she will do great things. She always used to say "I want to replace Katie Couric" one day- well, she's only 13, so it will be awhile before she replaces anyone...We have always watched the Today show and I think you are a great addition to the entire set. There seems so be so much positive chemistry between all of you. It has been very refreshing. I think people like the fact that you are so 'real'- it just makes it easy to watch each day.
good job meredith
okay so i doubt Meredith actually reads these.
but anyway.
i'm 15 years old from Florida and i've been a big Vieira fan for quite a while..
i wanted to say that in my opinion she is the most amazing person in the world.
she's so real and sweet and beautiful..it's my dream to meet her. i hope that someday i'll be able to.
she's doing such a great job on Today..
she's the perfect person for this job.
even though she's already been on a month, i'm happy every time they say "..and Meredith Vieira". =]
Meredith, if you do read these.
you are the most amazing person in the world. you're doing a wonderful job on Today..and someday i will meet you. i'm determined.
you're a sweetheart.
the world needs more people like you, Meredith Vieira.
love,
Kayley.
Hello. I've been living in USA for the past year working as an au pair and I'm going back this Tuesday to Brazil. I just want to say that since October of last year I've been watching you on The View and then on the Today Show. All I want to say is that your presence in my tv is one the things that I'll miss the most (along with peanutbutter and jelly). Oh, i have my schedule all worked ot for my last day: it will start with me watching the Today Show. I'll miss you....
Hi Meredith,
In all honesty I am not a "View" fan so I rarely watched. Plus I was always at work during your show. I just wantd to share something. I am so glad you went back to reporting. I have read some of your work that has been put on the internet, especially about the Amish. I am very happy to apologize to you that I was very wrong about you. You have a heart and soul and character about you that I never saw in you during your time with the "View". You have a beautiful heart that pours out of you when you are reporting and writing about it on the net. I am so glad you're not on "The View" anymore. It did not show a very loving, caring compasionate Meredith Viera that you are not afraid to express. You are back in your "calling" for your life. Just keep on being yourself. To me the View was a way to "gossip". That's not you.I'm sure people are trying to
see if you can fill Katie Couric's seat. Don't be concerned about that. Just keep being you. Teriffic.Bless you.Ha
Meredith,
thank you so much for answering the question about how you became a journalist. I am in my last year at college, my major is Journalism. it is so good to know that even people who are now successful in the field once were unsure. thank you so much for your inspiration.
hi meredith,
i am enjoying you so much on the today show. i was a fan from the view and i was pleased to hear you were taking the job. i Tivo the show and when watching one night i told my daughter how much i admire you and she asked why and i said, "because she's funny, really smart, she dresses nice and she's a mom too." you're doing a great job--stay real; it's your nicest quality.
p.s. i was so pleased to hear you say your daughter is off of "my space." i don't see the need for it either.
Hi Meredith
Love your blog. I was touched by your father's words, that he said it at the right time and right moment to believe in yourself. What a dad!
Love your work at The View and now on Today show. You are missed on the View, and same time happy for you to continue your future endevors. To grab life's adventures. Life is short.
I was thinking the other day that it would be great if Deborah Roberts, wife of Al Roker would fill in the 4th seat of the View. She guest hosted a few times and she did remarkable. And if this did happen, wouldn't it be funny and have another thing to talk about with Al. The View connection :)
Thank you for being you...on the past and current shows. You are touching people's lives with your honesty, wisdom and just being you.
I am a stay at home mom of a 2 year old toddler and in the future will go back to work full time. Am curious how you balance work and family?
Thanks
I stumbled across your blog this morning and read your posts. I was interested in your comments about the importance of "bringing" ideas to the table.....over the particular school one attends. I agree. I see this time and again with the staff and interns I encounter in my field. Ideas that are articulated with panache and conviction are like a breath of fresh air.
I was also intrigued about your emotional reaction to a wedding and how you connected it to a tragic death you covered........ I'm a counsellor who works n the "frontline." Lately, I have been thinking a great deal about the connect between joy and sorrow and have come to the conclusion that you can't have one without the other. I posted a quote this week by Henri Nouwen to illustrate this idea....
We would never understand the deep feelings of joy if we had never really experienced sorrow and visa versa.
Bon Chance Meredith with your new job.
Hi Meredith,
Just curious as to how you've been adjusting to your new early morning hours? I cannot imgagine waking up at the hour every weekday morning! As a new fan, I'm enjoying the new show. Kudos to you and the rest of "The Today Show".
Did your boss give you that comment before or after Lou Grant and the "I hate perky" comment on MTM? Sounds like he was trying to role play ;)
Good for you for not quitting!
If you had to interview yourself, what questions would you ask???
Meredith, thanx for doing this blog, i miss u so much on the View, luv Rosie, but i miss your stories about your family as i relate to many things you gop through, having my daughter in University and my son in last year of high school. I live in Canada, and i am such a fan, u crack me up and i really hope you are happy at the Today show. I consider myself a young mom, as i just turned 40, my kids are doing great which makes me proud and i know your kids are great too. Keep telling us your stories, as i for one LUV them!!!
Luv Jen
What years did you work at the radio station in Worcester? Did you do an early morning show - around 6:30 a.m.? You sound very much like the broadcaster we heard on our radio alarm clock. Either way - so glad you are on the Today Show- doing great!
Smiles,
Janet
just the way u are..........love it.......inspiring
Could you please tell us more about your co-executive producing duties on "Millionaire"?
Thank you!!!!!! :)
Joe
Meredith,
Do you ever plan on doing anything else in your career? and What are your favorite hobbies? Just curious. By the way, I love you on the Today show. I thought I would be mad that Katie is gone, but I think your better. I aspire to be like you. I also want to be a news journalist.
Meredith,
Do you plan on doing anything else later in you career? and what are your favorite hobbies? By the way, I aspire to be like you. I am wanting to become a News Journalist and could use some good advice...so if you have any that would be AWESOME....thanks so much..and i think you are wonderful on the today show.
Hi Meredith,
I've heard you say during interviews that your husband has MS. I was just wondering if he was ever tested for Lyme Disease. By tested I mean the Western Blot test and looking at his symptoms along with that. I was almost misdiagnosed with MS because everything else had been ruled out until I found an angel that helped me to see that maybe I have lyme disease. Since being properly diagnosed I am doing so much better. Several different antibiotics and a lyme literate doctor helped me so much. I have MS symptoms too but lyme disease is the illness that is causing my symptoms. I'm sure you have the best of doctors but I felt compelled to share this with you just in case it could help your husband or someone else. Thanks for your time and your caring personality!
Keep those questions coming......
Hmmmm.......
Here's a couple of fun questions!!
What are your favorite TV shows and movies (both past and present)
and......
What are your favorite kinds of music (singers, bands, genres of music)
Joe :)
I'm so inspired by your unfailing support of your husband over the years. I also have MS and realize it must be very taxing to have a spouse who is progressively more disabled. Thanks for your good natured, and very human, response to a difficult challenge.
Hi Meredith,
I love the way you talk to people, among other good features I am attracted the most is your natural sincerity and natural human respect. Every time I see you on TV I feel that respect even towards me.
I wish there were more people like you. I have one, very simple question for you: what time do you go to bed to get up at 3am?
Sincerely,
Gaiza
Dear Meredith,
You were SO exposed on your first day.
No, I'm not talking about just showing up on Today, I'm referring to putting your CHILDREN on television.
Perhaps the greatest compliment to a Mom is seeing how relaxed and confident and easy-going your kids were on a national program! I LOVED watching them cheer you on and I believe one of your children actually missed the taping because he didn't want to be late to school? Can't remember why he missed, but I gotta tell you, your children tell a lot about who you are.
Meredith, I used to think you were NUTS because of the way you behaved about family vs. 60 Minutes.
I too was a hard charging career gal, but unlike you I didn't have children.
Now at 42, with two little ones, toddler and a baby, I realize how very smart and strong you were/are.
Thank you for accepting the job on the Today Show. Thank you for being brave and thanks for showing us how to be a devoted Mom.
Sincerely,
Katie Gianotti
San Antonio, Texas
Dear Meredith,
You are the most beatiful, talented and kind-hearted person in the world. Your determination and wonderful personality is inspiring. I absoloutly love Millionaire, especially because of your excellent job as host. You have a big heart and lots of care for everyone, and you are the best role model ever. You are my role model, and I can only hope that more people become more like you and follow your example of generousity and kindness.
Best wishes!
Love, Anna age 14
Meredith you are doing a great job, I feel like you have been doing if forever. Why don't we see at all in th last hour of the show?
Meredith,
I missed the recent segment that you and Matt Lauer did with Chandler Burr on fragrances. Please tell me what fragrance you wear from the local drug store or what your favorite is!!!!
You're terrific.....great sense of humor (better than Matt, who's getting a little snotty) and authentic news credentials. But how do you bear all the fluff on the Today show? It's bizarre and getting more bizarre. I'm at a loss to say what would be better...maybe a little genuine political enthusiasm (The View seems to work) or issues interest other than cooking (please, cut back the cooking!) You have all those highly paid producers. Can they produce something real? Have to admit though that on the fluff-ometer, love Stacey London.