Laura Ling Biography
Laura Ling is an American writer and journalist who worked for Current TV, which until 2013 was owned by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Regardless, she acted as the station’s correspondent and vice president of its Vanguard Journalism Unit, which produced the Vanguard TV series.
Ling’s experiences have propelled her into becoming an advocate for human rights, particularly for issues related to women’s rights and human trafficking. She has used her platform to raise awareness, give voice to the voiceless, and push for change on these critical issues. Her advocacy work has helped shine a spotlight on the plight of vulnerable communities and has contributed to conversations surrounding human rights worldwide.
Her ability to share her personal story of captivity and survival allows her to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Her experiences offer a firsthand perspective on the consequences of political conflicts, the importance of press freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing her story, she inspires empathy and understanding among readers, encouraging them to care about and engage with global issues.
10 Quick Facts About Laura Ling
- Name: Laura Ling
- Age: 47 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 1 December
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Journalist and Writer
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: $24,292 -$72,507
- Net worth: $5 million
Laura Ling Age
Laura is 47 years old as of 2023, she was born on 1 December 1976, in Carmichael, California, United States. She celebrates her birthday on 1 December every year and her birth sign is Sagittarius.
Laura Ling Height
Laura stands at an height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m) tall.
Laura Ling Weight
Laura has a moderate weight. Details regarding her actual weight and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Early Life and Education
Laura was born on 1 December 1976, in Carmichael, California. Her mother, Mary Mei-yan, is a Taiwanese immigrant from Tainan, Taiwan where she previously performed as the head of the Los Angeles office of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs. Also, her father, Chung Teh “Douglas” Ling, is a Chinese immigrant from Hong Kong, where he was born in 1937. She was raised alongside her older sister Lisa Ling, who is now a journalist.
Her parents divorced when she was four years old and she was brought up with her sister by their father in Sacramento, California.
However, Ling attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, California. In 1998, Ling graduated with a communications degree from UCLA.[14] At UCLA Ling served as a student analyst for the Center for Communication Policy. There, she worked on the Violence Assessment Project studying television programs.
Rise to Fame
Laura rose to fame primarily through her work as a journalist and correspondent. She began her career in journalism as a correspondent for Channel One News, a youth-oriented news program. She covered various international stories, including the civil war in Nepal and the plight of child soldiers in Colombia.
In 2005, Ling joined Current TV, an independent media company co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. She served as a correspondent and investigative journalist for the network, reporting on a wide range of global issues.
Her capture and subsequent imprisonment received significant international attention. It drew widespread media coverage, and numerous organizations and individuals advocated for their release.
Laura Ling Parents
Laura was born in Carmichael, California, United States as the daughter of Doug Ling (father), and Mary Mei-yan (mother). Her father was an immigrant born in mainland China during the 1920s. Her mother is an immigrant from Tainan, Taiwan. They divorced when Laura was four years old and her sister Lisa was seven.
Laura Ling Siblings
Laura spent her childhood alongside her one sibling; a sister named Laura.
Laura Ling Husband
Laura is currently married to her handsome husband Iain Clayton who is a financial analyst. The couple together is blessed with two children; a daughter, named Li Jefferson Clayton, and a son named Kai. Laura and her husband decided to name the baby Li, after Laura’s sister Lisa, and chose Jefferson since it is President Clinton’s middle name.
Laura Ling Children
Laura together with her husband are proud parents of two children; a daughter, named Li Jefferson Clayton, and a son named Kai.
Laura Ling Salary
Laura receives an average annual salary of between $24,292 and $72,507. This translates to an hourly average wage of between $10.15 and $31.32. This is Per our average wage estimates for a journalist in the United States. However, these figures may vary substantially according to the level of seniority of the employee. At the moment, we do not have the exact salary but we will update this section when the information is available.
Laura Ling Net Worth
Laura has an estimated net worth of $5 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money, and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a Journalist and Writer. Through her various sources of income, Laura has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Body Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Laura:
Laura Ling Wiki
- Full Names: Laura Ling
- Popular As: Journalist
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Journalist and Writer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Laura Ling Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 47 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Date of Birth: 1 December 1976
- Place of Birth: Carmichael, California, United States
- Birthday: 1 December
Laura Ling Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be Updated
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m)
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: To be Updated
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Dress Size: To be Updated
- Breast Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
- Hip Size: To be Updated
Laura Ling Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Doug Ling
- Mother: Mary Mei-yan
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Laura
- Marital Status: Married
- Husband/Spouse: Married to Iain Clayton
- Dating / Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Li Jefferson Clayton
Laura Ling Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $5 million
- Salary: $24,292 -$72,507
- Source of Income: Journalist and Writer
Laura Ling House and Cars
- Place of living: To be Updated
- Cars: Car Brand to be Updated
Career
Ling is an American journalist and television host. She was born on December 1, 1976, in Sacramento, California. Ling started her career in journalism at a young age, working for Channel One News, a news program for teenagers. She later became a correspondent for the program.
Ling gained significant attention and international recognition in 2009 when she and her colleague, Euna Lee, were detained by North Korean authorities while reporting on the border between North Korea and China. They were accused of illegal entry and were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. However, after intense diplomatic efforts, Ling and Lee were released and returned to the United States after spending 140 days in captivity.
Following her release, Ling continued her career as a journalist. She has worked for various media outlets, including Current TV, which was founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Ling hosted and reported for the show “Vanguard,” which focused on current affairs and investigative journalism.
In addition to her television work, Ling has produced documentaries and written articles for various publications. She has covered a wide range of topics, including human rights issues, the environment, and social justice.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Ling has reported various conflict zones and regions of geopolitical importance. She has traveled to places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Haiti, covering stories of war, disaster, and humanitarian crises. Her reporting often focused on the experiences and struggles of the local population in these challenging environments.
Ling has produced several documentaries and engaged in investigative reporting throughout her career. She has covered diverse topics, including human rights abuses, environmental issues, and social justice. Ling’s work often takes her to different parts of the world, where she investigates and sheds light on important stories that have global significance.
In addition to her journalism, Laura Ling has been involved in philanthropic endeavors. She has advocated for the rights of women and girls, particularly in vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Through her work, she has highlighted the challenges faced by women and girls worldwide and promoted initiatives aimed at empowering them.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Ling has been a strong advocate for the rights and empowerment of women and girls. She has worked with organizations such as Vital Voices Global Partnership, an NGO dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and economic opportunities. Ling has used her platform to raise awareness about gender inequality and has participated in campaigns and initiatives focused on promoting women’s rights and gender equity.
In honor of her sister, Lisa Ling, Laura co-founded The Lisa Ling Freedom Fund. This charitable initiative aims to support organizations that combat human trafficking and provide assistance to survivors. The fund works to raise awareness, provide resources, and support efforts to end modern-day slavery.
Ling frequently engages in public speaking engagements to share her experiences and insights on issues such as press freedom, human rights, and international relations. Through these speaking engagements, she raises awareness and inspires individuals to take action and make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Throughout her career, Ling has collaborated with various nonprofit organizations to amplify their work and promote their causes. She has partnered with organizations such as Girls Rising, which advocates for girls’ education and empowerment, and Global Girl Media, which trains young women to become citizen journalists.
Laura Ling North Korea Documentary
Ling’s most notable documentary related to North Korea is titled “Inside North Korea.” This documentary provides a unique glimpse into the secretive and isolated nation, showcasing its society, culture, and the challenges faced by its citizens.
“Inside North Korea” was produced in collaboration with Current TV, a media outlet co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Ling, along with her colleague Euna Lee, traveled to the China-North Korea border region to investigate and report on the human trafficking issue. However, they were apprehended by North Korean soldiers and detained for illegal entry into the country. The documentary includes footage shot by Ling and Lee before their capture.
Laura Ling Book
Ling has written a book titled “Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home.” It is a memoir co-written by Laura Ling and her sister Lisa Ling. The book, published in 2010, details Laura Ling’s capture and imprisonment in North Korea in 2009, as well as the efforts made by her family and the U.S. government to secure her release.
It provides a firsthand account of the ordeal and the emotional journey experienced by Laura Ling and her loved ones during that time.
Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Ling has been honored with multiple Emmy Awards for her outstanding journalism and reporting. These awards are a testament to her dedication and excellence in the field of broadcast journalism.
- Ling received the Gracie Award in 2010 for her reporting on Current TV’s “Vanguard” documentary series. The Gracie Awards recognize outstanding programming by, for, and about women in the media industry.
- In 2010, Ling was presented with the Human Rights Hero Award by the United Nations Association of the USA for her efforts in promoting human rights and raising awareness about critical global issues.
- Ling was honored with the Distinguished Journalist Award by the Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California chapter, in recognition of her exceptional work in journalism and her commitment to press freedom.
- Ling was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship, which is a highly competitive and prestigious international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The fellowship allowed her to further her studies and research on human trafficking in China.
Legacy
Here are some aspects of her legacy:
Ling’s detention in North Korea and her subsequent release brought international attention to the dangers and challenges faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones and authoritarian regimes. Her resilience and courage in the face of adversity have inspired others and highlighted the importance of press freedom and the protection of journalists worldwide.
Ling’s detention in North Korea brought significant attention to the human rights situation in the country. Her experience helped raise awareness about the plight of North Koreans living under an oppressive regime and the challenges faced by journalists reporting from the country. Ling’s personal story has contributed to a broader understanding of North Korea and its impact on global politics and human rights.
Hobbies and Interests
Human Rights and Social Justice: Ling’s advocacy for human rights, women’s empowerment, and social justice suggests that she has a deep interest in these issues. She engages in activities and stays informed about developments in these areas, supporting organizations and initiatives that align with her values.
Writing and Storytelling: As a journalist and documentary producer, Ling has a strong background in storytelling. It’s possible that she has an interest in writing beyond her professional work, whether it’s personal reflections, articles, or other forms of creative writing.
Public Speaking and Engagements: Ling is known for her public speaking engagements where she shares her experiences and insights. It’s likely that she has an interest in public speaking and engaging with audiences to raise awareness and inspire positive change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laura Ling
Laura Ling is an American writer and journalist who worked for Current TV, which until 2013 was owned by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Regardless, she acted as the station’s correspondent and vice president of its Vanguard Journalism Unit, which produced the Vanguard TV series.
Ling is an American national born on 1 December 1976, in Carmichael, California, United States.
Laura stands at an height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m) tall.
Laura is currently married to her handsome husband Iain Clayton who is a financial analyst.
Ling has an approximate net worth of $5 million. This amount has been accrued from her leading roles in the media industry.
Laura receives an average annual salary of between $24,292 and $72,507.
Ling is a resident of Santa Monica, California, USA, we shall upload pictures of her house as soon as we have them.
Ling is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of her being sick or having any health-related issues.
Ling recently hosted the Discovery mini-documentary series, The Power of Kindness.
Laura Ling Contacts
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