Kathy O’Hearn, executive producer of ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” has been stranded in Saudi Arabia and stuck in studios at 3 in the morning, all so the rest of us can know what’s going on in the world. On Sunday her team will tape the first show – and the first Sunday news show in high definition – from their brand-new studio at the Newseum.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned this week on “This Week”?
We had our very first satellite interview – it was from Nepal with Jimmy Carter. His whole mission with the Carter Center is promoting dialogue and peace. And he’s been roundly criticized, most recently for meeting with members of Hamas. But he said, “I face criticism with a sense of equanimity.”
What personal qualities are most essential in your job as producer?
You sort of have to be part Vanna White and part political whiz – smart about politics but able to be gracious and make people feel welcome. And you have to be artistic and savvy with production skills. It’s a most unusual mix of skill sets.
What’s been your most memorable stint in the news business?
I was ABC’s bureau chief during the first Gulf War, in Dhahran, right outside of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and I was one of the first women to be sent. It was terrifying, fabulously interesting, thrilling. We were stuck there for several months when they closed down the airspace overhead.
What’s your favorite place outside of the nation’s capital?
New York City – I worked there for 10 years. But I love being back in D.C. I love D.C.
What’s the least glamorous part of your job?
Getting up at 3 in the morning every Sunday. And very few exciting Saturday nights.
