Silke Jasso
Barbara Walters, a Pioneer TV journalist who made a name for herself for being a prominent figure in broadcasting, has tragically died at the age of 93. According to spokesperson Cindy Berger, “Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. She lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists but for all women.”
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The prominent figure began her national broadcaster back in 1961 as a reporter, panel member, and writer for NBC News Today before she went on to be promoted to co-host in 1974. In 1976, she joined ABC News as the first female anchor of an evening news program.
Barbara Walters Dies at 93
There she went on to lunch “The Barbara Walters Special” and “10 Most Fascinating People” Before officially becoming a co-host and correspondent for ABC News “20/20” in 1984. She was known for her various top reporting interviews including for US presidents and first lady interviews.
Throughout the course of her career, which spanned more than half a century, Walters became a very well-known name in the journalism industry. She made her mark by conducting several of the biggest interviews including with icons such as Mike Tyson, Ricky Martin, Monica Lewinsky, Rob Kardashian, and more.
Oprah Winfrey went on to pen a very touching preview to Walter after her death. Through an Instagram post, Winfrey stated “Without Barbara Walters there wouldn’t have been me—nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news.”
“She was indeed a Trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time.”
Oprah Winfrey Pays Tribute
The 68-year-old went on to conclude her message by listing several things she was grateful for the icon, showcasing how much of a powerful woman she was. “Grateful that she was such a powerful and gracious role model. Grateful to have known her. Grateful to have followed in her Light,” she stated.
Following her death several other stars honored Walters’s legacy in life, including CEO of Walt Disney Company Robert Iger, who called her “a true legend, a Pioneer not just for women in journalism but journalism itself.
“She was a one-of-a-kind reporter who landed many of the most important interviews of our time, from heads of state and leaders of regimes to the biggest celebrities and sports icons,” he wrote on Twitter.
Robert Iger on Twitter
Former The View co-host Meghan McCain also went out to see her condolences, tweeting, “Barbara Walters will always be known as a trail blazer (sic). Her hard hitting questions & welcoming demeanor made her a household name and leader in American journalism.”
Walters is survived by her 54 year old daughter, Jacqueline Guber.
