Talk with Barbara Walters

Barbara Walters was a prominent American broadcast journalist, author, and television personality. She was born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on December 30, 2022. Walters is best known for her work on TV news programs and for being a pioneer for women in journalism.

Walters began her career in the 1950s and gained prominence at NBC's "Today" show in the 1960s and 1970s, where she eventually became the first female co-host. In 1976, she became the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program when she joined ABC News, co-anchoring the "ABC Evening News" alongside Harry Reasoner.

Walters is also famous for her interview skills, having conducted a range of interviews with public figures, including presidents and celebrities, on her special "Barbara Walters Specials." Her interviews were known for their depth, preparation, and ability to elicit personal and newsworthy responses from her interviewees.

In 1997, she created "The View," a daytime talk show that features a panel of women of different generations discussing contemporary issues, which has been popular and influential in American television.

Walters has won numerous awards for her work, including several Emmy Awards, and she is celebrated for breaking down barriers for women in journalism, setting a path for many who have followed in her footsteps.

Barbara Walters interviewed President Richard Nixon as her first U.S. presidential interview. This significant event took place while Nixon was still in office, contributing to Walters's reputation as a pioneering journalist in conducting interviews with world leaders.

Barbara Walters was known for upholding high standards in journalism ethics, emphasizing fairness, privacy, honesty, and integrity in her reporting. Throughout her career, she balanced the need for sensationalism with sensitivity, especially during her celebrity interviews and investigative reporting. Walters often addressed the issue of ethics in journalism publicly, advocating for responsible reporting and stressing the importance of not compromising personal integrity for ratings or scoops. Her interviews were well-prepared, aiming to bring out the truth without exploitation, which reflected her commitment to ethical journalism.

After retiring from broadcasting in 2014, Barbara Walters mostly stayed out of the public spotlight, enjoying her retirement privately. She made fewer public appearances and largely withdrew from the media industry, focusing on her personal life. Walters had mentioned health issues as one of the reasons for her retirement, which might have influenced her decision to maintain a low profile in her later years.

Barbara Walters had a profound impact on female journalists and the broader scope of journalism. She overcame substantial gender barriers in a field that was overwhelmingly dominated by men when she began her career. Walters became the first woman to co-anchor a network evening news program when she joined ABC News in 1976, which was a monumental achievement at the time and paved the way for many more women to pursue and thrive in similar roles.

Her style of interviewing, particularly with state leaders and celebrities, demonstrated that female journalists could handle tough, significant interviews with poise and intelligence. Walters was known for her meticulous preparation and ability to ask insightful, often penetrating questions that would elicit responses that many other interviewers could not.

Moreover, her visibility and success provided a role model for aspiring female journalists, showing them that it was indeed possible to reach the upper echelons of broadcasting. Her persistence in the face of sexism and discrimination also highlighted the challenges women faced in the media industry, contributing to the ongoing conversation about gender equality in workplaces. This has encouraged not only more inclusivity in hiring practices but also promoted a broader acceptance of women in leading, authoritative roles in journalism and beyond.

Barbara Walters often shared valuable advice for young journalists, emphasizing several key principles based on her storied career in broadcasting and journalism. Among her most frequently cited tips were:

1. Preparation and Research: Walters stressed the importance of thorough preparation and research before conducting any interview. She believed that knowledge about the interview subject and the context not only shows respect but also allows for richer, more engaging conversations.

2. Listening: She often highlighted the importance of listening to the interviewee, not just hearing them. By truly listening, a journalist can ask more thoughtful and probing questions that go beyond the surface.

3. Integrity and Fairness: Maintaining integrity, honesty, and fairness in reporting was a cornerstone of Walters' philosophy. She believed in giving a balanced view and treating interview subjects with respect, irrespective of personal biases.

4. Persistence: Walters' career was characterized by a relentless pursuit of stories and interviews, even when faced with rejections and hurdles. Her advice often included encouraging young journalists to be persistent, not taking no for an answer too easily.

5. Handling Pressure: Known for maintaining her composure in high-pressure situations, Walters advised budding journalists on the importance of staying calm and composed, especially when handling tough interviews or complex stories.

6. Empathy: She underscored the importance of empathy in journalism — to approach stories with a sense of understanding and compassion for those involved, which can open up deeper narratives.

These principles guided Walters throughout her career and she shared them with the hopes of informing and inspiring the next generation of journalists.

Barbara Walters passed away on December 30, 2022, at the age of 93. Her cause of death was attributed to natural causes due to advanced age.

Yes, Barbara Walters did have a notable interview with Sean Connery in which she challenged him on his views about slapping women. In a 1987 interview, Walters brought up Connery's previous comments from an interview in 1965 where he discussed his belief that slapping a woman was justified in certain circumstances. In their conversation, Walters asked Connery about his stance, and Connery reaffirmed his views, which led to a controversial moment that is often recalled when discussing Walters' career and her straightforward interviewing style. This interview highlighted Walters' approach to directly addressing contentious issues with her subjects.

Barbara Walters was married three times to two different men. Her first husband was Robert Henry Katz, a business executive and former Navy lieutenant. They were married from 1955 to 1957. Her second marriage was to Lee Guber, a theater producer and theatrical impresario; they were married from 1963 until their divorce in 1976. Barbara Walters married Merv Adelson, a television producer, twice; first from 1981 to 1984 and then they remarried in 1986, but eventually divorced again in 1992.

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