Barbara Walters, iconic American news anchor, dies at 93

December 31, 2022 8:32 am

Barbara Walters, an iconic American television broadcaster, has died at the age of 93.

Cindi Berger, her publicist, said Walters died peacefully on Friday at her New York home, adding that “she lived her life with no regrets” and was a “trailblazer not only for female journalists but for all women”.

Walters was a household name for more than five decades, most notably known for shows like ‘Barbara Walters Specials’ and ‘The View’, an NBC daytime talk show where a panel of women discuss the most recent headlines.

In 1976, Walters became the first US female network news anchor when she joined ABC News.

“I have been blessed with a life I never expected,” she said in 2000 as she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Walters left ‘The View’ in 2014 but remained a part-time contributor and an executive producer.

Some of the world leaders she interviewed include former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Russian President Vladimir Putin, former US President Donald Trump, former Cuban President Fidel Castro, former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and ex-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

“Barbara was a true legend, a pioneer not just for women in journalism but for journalism itself,” Bob Iger, CEO of ABC, said.

“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. I had the pleasure of calling Barbara a colleague for more than three decades, but more importantly, I was able to call her a dear friend.

“She will be missed by all of us at The Walt Disney Company, and we send our deepest condolences to her daughter,
Jacqueline.”

Journalists and other public figures have continued to pay tributes to the late media superstar.

I wouldn't be sitting in the anchor seat if Barbra Walters hadn't paved the way. A major loss to women in Journalism. Her legacy will carry on in all of us.💜

— Laryssa Leone (@LaryssaLeoneTV) December 31, 2022

When I was a kid, you had a sense that people like Barbra Walters were there to check power. Same with the great Tim Russert.
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— Jeff Howard (@jeffreyhoward33) December 31, 2022

One of my journalism professors once referred to the “Barbra Walters question,” asking someone an emotional open ended question like “Does that make you angry?”

Every time I interview someone I try to include one
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RIP to a legend

— Insanul Ahmed (@Incilin) December 31, 2022
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