Lisa Ling: CBS News, Bio, Age, North Korea, Husband, Sister and Net Worth
Who is Lisa Ling? | Biography & Wiki
Lisa Ling is a renowned American journalist, author, and television personality, currently serving as a news contributor for CBS News. Known for her in-depth reporting and human-focused storytelling, Ling has built an impressive career across major networks. She rose to prominence as a reporter for Channel One News and later as a co-host on ABC’s The View from 1999 to 2002.
She went on to host the critically acclaimed CNN docuseries This Is Life with Lisa Ling and previously led National Geographic Explorer from 2003 to 2010. Ling also served as a special correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and hosted Our America with Lisa Ling on OWN from 2011 to 2014. Her work consistently highlights underrepresented voices and communities, earning her widespread recognition in the journalism world.
How Old is Lisa Ling? | Age and Birthday
Lisa Ling is 51 years old as of 2025. She was born on August 30, 1973, in Sacramento, California, and celebrates her birthday annually on August 30th.
Education
Lisa attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, California, graduating in 1991. She later enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC) but left before completing her degree to pursue journalism full-time—a decision that kickstarted her early rise in broadcast media.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Lisa Ling is American by nationality. She was born and raised in California and is of Asian descent, with Taiwanese and Chinese heritage.
Height and Physical Attributes
Lisa stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall (1.65 meters). While other personal measurements have not been publicly disclosed, she is often recognized for her poised presence on screen.
Family Background | Parents and Siblings
Lisa was born in Sacramento to Chung Teh “Douglas” Ling and Mary Mei-yan. Her father is a Chinese immigrant, and her mother, originally from Tainan, Taiwan, once led the Los Angeles office of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs. Her parents divorced when Lisa was seven.
She grew up alongside her sister, Laura Ling, who is also a journalist and television host, known for her work at the E! Network. They were raised by the father.
Is Lisa Ling Married? | Husband and Children
Yes, Lisa Ling is married to Dr. Paul Song, a radiation oncologist and healthcare advocate. The couple became engaged on January 3, 2007, and married on May 26, 2007, in Los Angeles. They have two children:
Jett Ling Song, born March 8, 2013
Ray Ling Song, born June 6, 2016
Career Highlights
This Is Life with Lisa Ling (CNN)
Lisa hosted this award-winning documentary series from 2014 through 2022, exploring underreported stories across America—from subcultures and social issues to criminal justice. The series premiered on September 28, 2014, and ran for eight seasons with over 50 episodes. It won a Gracie Award in 2017 for Outstanding Non-Fiction Programming.
This Is Life with Lisa Ling
This Is Life with Lisa Ling is a critically acclaimed CNN docuseries that premiered in 2014 and ran for eight powerful seasons. Hosted by Lisa Ling, the show explores the underbelly of American life—shedding light on stories, communities, and individuals that mainstream media often overlooks. From the world of legal brothels to life inside religious cults and unconventional spiritual movements, Ling’s empathetic reporting style brings humanity and depth to controversial and complex issues.
Each episode is rooted in deep investigative journalism, with Lisa embedding herself in the environments she covers. Her hands-on approach allowed viewers to see America from entirely new perspectives—challenging assumptions and fostering understanding around topics like immigration, incarceration, drug addiction, and identity.
The show earned widespread praise for its thoughtful storytelling and emotional honesty, even winning a Gracie Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction Programming in 2017.
Lisa Ling’s Sister – Laura Ling
Laura Ling is an American journalist and author, best known for her work with Current TV and later E! Network. Like her sister Lisa, Laura has focused much of her career on investigative reporting, often covering issues like human rights, global conflict, and social justice.
In 2009, Laura made international headlines when she and colleague Euna Lee were captured by North Korean border guards while filming a documentary. Their detainment sparked a diplomatic crisis between the U.S. and North Korea. After spending 140 days in custody, they were released following negotiations led by President Bill Clinton.
Following the ordeal, Laura co-authored the memoir Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home with Lisa, offering a deeply personal and gripping account of their shared experience.
Today, Laura continues to work in media and is an advocate for press freedom and human rights.
Inside North Korea: Lisa Ling’s Undercover Mission
In one of her most daring and internationally recognized assignments, Lisa Ling went undercover inside North Korea for the 2007 National Geographic special Inside North Korea. Disguised as part of a humanitarian medical team led by a doctor performing eye surgeries, Ling and her camera crew secretly documented life inside the reclusive regime.
The documentary provided a rare look behind the veil of North Korean propaganda, exposing the highly controlled society, personality cult around the Kim family, and the intense fear citizens live under. Lisa’s narration guided viewers through the surreal, tightly scripted experience, including orchestrated public displays of gratitude and loyalty toward the regime.
Filming in North Korea is extremely dangerous and tightly restricted, making the documentary an extraordinary feat of undercover journalism. Inside North Korea remains one of the most viewed and discussed pieces of work in Lisa Ling’s career.
Our America with Lisa Ling
Before her CNN series, Lisa Ling was the host of Our America with Lisa Ling, a documentary series that aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) from 2011 to 2014. This show set the stage for her deep-dive storytelling style, with each episode focusing on poignant, sometimes provocative topics within American society.
Our America tackled issues such as child sex trafficking, faith healing, autism, gender identity, and poverty. Ling’s mission was to unearth the “real” America—the raw, unfiltered experiences of everyday people across the country. The series was lauded for its authenticity and sensitivity, emphasizing Lisa’s commitment to telling stories that often go unheard.
Lisa Ling and North Korea
Lisa Ling’s connection to North Korea goes beyond journalism. In 2009, her personal life became part of a global headline when her younger sister, Laura Ling, was detained by North Korean authorities while reporting on the China–North Korea border. Laura, along with fellow journalist Euna Lee, was accused of illegal entry and “hostile acts” and sentenced to 12 years in a labor camp.
Lisa played a vital role in the behind-the-scenes advocacy for her sister’s release, working with U.S. officials, activists, and media to apply international pressure. Their family’s emotional ordeal ended after former U.S. President Bill Clinton made a diplomatic trip to Pyongyang, successfully negotiating the journalists’ release.
The experience not only deepened Lisa’s connection to the Korean Peninsula but also highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in authoritarian countries.
Take Out (HBO Max)
In 2022, Lisa starred in the docuseries Take Out, which spotlighted Asian American cuisine and the personal stories behind family-run take-out restaurants. The series, released on January 27, 2022, ran for six episodes and highlighted the rich cultural heritage and challenges faced by Asian American restaurateurs.
CBS News
Lisa currently contributes to CBS News, continuing her mission to amplify diverse stories and dig into meaningful societal issues. Her reporting blends journalistic rigor with heartfelt curiosity.
Past Work
Lisa’s career includes:
National Geographic Explorer (2003–2010): Covered global issues like Colombia’s drug war, the MS-13 gang, and U.S. prison culture.
The Oprah Winfrey Show: Served as a special correspondent.
Our America with Lisa Ling (OWN): Focused on compelling personal stories across the U.S. from 2011 to 2014.
Channel One News: Where her journalism career began as a teen.
The View: Co-hosted from 1999–2002, becoming a nationally recognized media figure.
Salary | How Much Does Lisa Ling Make?
As a contributor for CBS News and a veteran journalist, Lisa Ling earns a solid salary. Her estimated annual income is around $95,000 as of 2025.
Lisa Ling’s Net Worth
With decades of high-profile journalism and television work behind her, Lisa has accumulated a substantial net worth. Her estimated net worth is $3 million as of 2025.
