Jessica Savitch: The Dark Side of a Golden Girl It is May 1971, and Jessica Savitch, a twenty-three-year-old, ambitious, blond, is on her way to Houston, Texas. She has been hired to be a reporter for KHOU T.V., a CBS affiliate. On her first day, she tags along with reporter Judd McIlvain and announces her plans for the future. "My plans are to be a network anchor by the time I'm thirty. I'm going to replace Walter Cronkite," (Nash, 87). Jessica does well at KHOU, and becomes recognized not only for her beauty, but for her ability as well. She also becomes recognized for her temper tantrums, earning her the nickname "Jessica Savage."