Lisa Ling Wikipedia | Biography
Lisa Ling is a prominent American journalist, television host, and documentary storyteller who has truly made her mark on major television networks and news programs. Most recently, she was a contributor at CBS News, where she shared in-depth feature stories for shows like CBS News Sunday Morning.
Throughout her career, Ling has built a reputation for her immersive reporting style, tackling a wide range of social, cultural, and human-interest topics. She previously hosted the acclaimed documentary series This Is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN, exploring various issues that affect communities across the United States.
Ling first gained national attention as a reporter for Channel One News before stepping into the role of co-host on the ABC daytime talk show The View from 1999 to 2002. She then took the reins of National Geographic Explorer from 2003 to 2010, traveling the world to cover pressing global issues, diverse cultures, and current events.
Additionally, Ling served as a special correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show, further establishing her reputation as a respected documentary journalist. From 2011 to 2014, she hosted Our America with Lisa Ling on the Oprah Winfrey Network, a series that highlighted underreported communities and social issues in the U.S.
On May 31, 2023, CBS News announced that Ling had joined their team as a contributor, where she produced long-form reports and feature stories for various CBS News programs. However, on October 30, 2025, it was reported that Ling was among several on-air personalities laid off due to broader staffing changes at the network.
Lisa Ling Age
So, how old is Lisa? As of 2026, she’s 52 years old. Born on August 30, 1973, in Sacramento, California, Lisa celebrates her birthday every year on that same date.
Lisa Ling Education
Lisa graduated from Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, California, in 1991. She then went on to the University of Southern California but decided to leave before finishing her degree to kickstart her career.
Lisa Ling Nationality
Lisa proudly holds American nationality and citizenship. Growing up in Sacramento, California, she identifies with her white heritage.
Lisa Ling Height | Measurements
Lisa stands at about 5 feet 5 inches tall (around 1.65 m), which is considered average height for women. However, she hasn’t shared any specifics about her other body measurements publicly.
Lisa Ling Family | Parents
Lisa was raised in Sacramento, California, by her loving parents, Chung Teh Douglas and Mary Mei-yan. Her mother, Mary, was the head of the Los Angeles office for the Formosan Association for Public Affairs. Mary has Taiwanese roots from Tainan, Taiwan, while her father hails from China. Unfortunately, her parents separated when she was just seven years old. Lisa grew up alongside her sister, Laura Ling, who is now a host and journalist at E! Network.
Lisa Ling’s Husband | Children
Lisa Ling is happily married to her wonderful husband, Paul Song, who works as a radiation oncologist. The couple got engaged on January 3, 2007, and they tied the knot on May 26, 2007, in Los Angeles, California. Together, they have two children: Jett Ling Song, born on March 8, 2013, and Ray Ling Song, who arrived on June 6, 2016.
This Is Life with Lisa Ling Episodes
From 2014 to 2022, Lisa Ling hosted the captivating documentary series This Is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN. The show took viewers on a journey through a diverse range of social, cultural, and human-interest topics across the United States, shining a light on communities and lifestyles that often fly under the radar of mainstream media.
Some of the standout episodes tackled compelling subjects like:
– The opioid addiction crisis in America
– Life behind the bars of maximum-security prisons
– Polygamist communities
– The adult entertainment industry
– Street gangs and underground economies
– The culture of Silicon Valley and the grip of technology addiction
– LGBTQ+ communities and the complexities of identity
– Religious movements and unconventional faith groups
– The world of beauty pageants and the culture of cosmetic surgery
– Immigration and the stories of undocumented families
The series gained a reputation for Ling’s immersive reporting style, where she often spent significant time with the individuals and communities featured in each episode. It was widely praised for addressing tough or controversial topics with both empathy and depth.
TV Shows with Lisa Ling
Throughout her career, Lisa Ling has graced the screens of several major television programs across various networks. Some of her most recognized work includes:
– The View – Co-host from 1999 to 2002
– This Is Life with Lisa Ling – Host and executive producer
– Our America with Lisa Ling – Host on the Oprah Winfrey Network
– National Geographic Explorer – Host from 2003 to 2010
– The Oprah Winfrey Show – Special correspondent
– CBS News Sunday Morning – Contributor and feature reporter
– TakeOut Kids – Early hosting role
– Channel One News – Reporter and international correspondent
Her career has primarily revolved around investigative journalism, documentaries, and storytelling that focuses on social issues.
Lisa Ling: Take Out
This documentary series focuses on Asian American cuisine and features Lisa Ling as the host. The first season premiered on January 27, 2022, and consists of six episodes. It explores the vibrant world of American Asian take-out restaurants and the families and individuals who keep these establishments thriving.
Lisa Ling Salary
As an anchor and reporter for CBS News, Lisa has earned a respectable salary in her role. Her annual average salary was around $160,000, reflecting her dedication and talent in journalism.
Lisa Ling CBS News | Fired (2023–2025)
Lisa Ling is a prominent American journalist, television host, and most recently, she was a contributor at CBS News, where she shared in-depth feature stories for shows like CBS News Sunday Morning. She was fired on October 30, 2025.
Throughout her career, Ling has built a reputation for her immersive reporting style, tackling a wide range of social, cultural, and human-interest topics. She previously hosted the acclaimed documentary series This Is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN, exploring various issues that affect communities across the United States.
Ling first gained national attention as a reporter for Channel One News before stepping into the role of co-host on the ABC daytime talk show The View from 1999 to 2002. She then took the reins of National Geographic Explorer from 2003 to 2010, traveling the world to cover pressing global issues, diverse cultures, and current events.
Additionally, Ling served as a special correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show, further establishing her reputation as a respected documentary journalist. From 2011 to 2014, she hosted Our America with Lisa Ling on the Oprah Winfrey Network, a series that highlighted underreported communities and social issues in the U.S.
On May 31, 2023, CBS News announced that Ling had joined their team as a contributor, where she produced long-form reports and feature stories for various CBS News programs. However, on October 30, 2025, it was reported that Ling was among several on-air personalities laid off due to broader staffing changes at the network.
Lisa Ling Net Worth
With her successful career as a CNN News anchor and reporter, it’s no surprise that Lisa has built up a solid net worth over the years. Currently, her estimated net worth stands at about $3 million.