As the world prepares for pomp and circumstance as the planet turns another year old, we were alerted to the news that legendary broadcast journalist and television personality Barbara Walters had passed away in her Manhattan, New York home on Friday evening at the age of 93. As the news was confirmed, there was a mist of instant void in many of the hearts and minds of people around the world. A broadcast career that spanned nearly 60-years, almost every living person can recollect memories of Barbara Walters conducting iconic interviews with some of the biggest stars from across the globe. In addition, her works signified some of the most in depth news coverage ever seen to man.
From her coverage of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, to her last interview with President Donald Trump, Barbara Walters always asked the questions that intrigued millions. Barbara’s storied career began in 1951 as an writer and researcher with NBC’s “Today” show which she progressed and made her way to taking the co-host seat. It was historic, the first time a female co-host anchored any major news platform. In 1976, Barbara Walters took her talents to ABC, where she would land the co-anchor job on the popular “Evening News” program. Eventually, Barbara left ABC and landed in the chair we as a viewing public came accustomed to seeing her, “20/20”. At “20/20”, Barbara Walters was the official face of the program, bringing us decades of informative commentary and exclusive interviews.
Barbara Walters has interviewed the biggest names in the world, which includes; Oprah Winfery, Mike Tyson, Ringo Starr, Muhammad Ali, Vladimir Putin and Barbara Streisand. Barbara Walters was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1989. In 2007, Barbara received the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her decades of works and has gone on to win numerous Daytime and Prime Time Emmy Awards, GLAAD Excellence in Media Award and the Women in Film Lucy Award.
In 2004, Barbara decided to leave her role at “20/20” in lieu of what she called, “a mini-retirement”. During 2004, Barbara agreed to remain with ABC as a part-time contributor until 2016; however, Barbara was a regular on The View program which she did until 2014.
There are a lot of lessons to be learned from the courageous life of Barbara Jill Walters. Barbara possessed a journalistic excellence that the likes will forever be unmatched. Barbara published How to Talk with Practically Anybody About Practically Anything, which is regarded as one of the best pieces of literature in the journalistic realm. In addition, Barbara Walters published her autobiography, Audition: A Memoir in 2008.
Barbara Walters is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline. We send our condolences and heartfelt wishes to the family. Barbara Walters will forever go down in history as Journalistic Excellency. Job well done
~ Lamont Renzo Bracy
