Barbara Walters, who died Friday at the age of 93, is remembered for her tenacious journalism that paved the way for women in the industry.
As news of her death spread, memories and tributes to Miss Walters flooded social media.
Robert A. Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC News, said on Twitter that Ms. Walters “is a true legend, a pioneer not only for women in journalism but also for women as well. for journalism itself.”
Journalists across the country recalled Friday night the influence Ms. Walters had on their careers, directly and indirectly. Many consider her interviews a model for good journalism. Others marveled at the bravery she displayed as she sat across from some of the most powerful people in the world. And many others described Ms. Walters as a “pioneer” who helped pave the way for women in the news industry.
Oprah Winfrey recalls how Mrs. Walters was an early inspiration.
During a local Miss Fire Prevention pageant that eventually helped Winfrey get her first job as a broadcaster at the age of 17, a judge asked her what she hoped to do in life.
“It occurred to me that my goal is to become a television journalist,” she once said on a TV show. interview in her magazine, Oprah. When asked what kind of journalist she was, she recalled saying, “I want to be like Barbara Walters.”
“Without Barbara Walters there would be no me — nor any other woman you see on the evening, morning and daily news,” Winfrey wrote in her tribute Friday. “She really is a Trailblazer.”
David Muir, presenter for ABC News, Written on Twitter that “we often revolve around the words iconic, legendary, pioneer – but Barbara Walters is all of these.” He added that “above all, Barbara Walters is very brave.” Robin Roberts, host of “Good Morning America,” speak that she is “forever grateful for her outstanding example and friendship.”
Deborah Roberts, ABC News reporter, say on Twitter that she will never forget when Miss Walters called her to work on the news magazine program “20/20”, she called it an honor to share the film.
Dan Rather, a former news network broadcaster, said Ms. Walters “worked hard, thought it through, and outperformed her competitors.”
“The world of journalism has lost a pillar of professionalism, courage and integrity.
Maria Shriver, a former NBC News spokeswoman, described Ms. Walters as a mentor and friend.
“A lot of women have entered the news business because she does her job so well,” Ms. Shriver wrote on Twitter.
Meghan McCain, former host of “The View,” say on Twitter Ms. Walters’s tough questions and welcoming attitude have made her a household name and a leader in American journalism.
Jones starone of the original co-hosts of “The View,” wrote, “I owe Barbara Walters more than I can afford.”
Ms. Walters’ impact extended beyond the press, as actors, athletes and others remembered her bravery in interviews — and her sense of humour.
Monica Lewinsky said she first met Walters in 1998, amid the impeachment scandal that followed President Bill Clinton’s affair with Lewinsky while she was an intern at the White House. “She was the first person I interviewed on television,” Ms. Lewinsky Written on Twitter.
When talking to Mrs. Walters at the time, she remarked that this was the first time she had been in “serious trouble”.
“I was basically a good kid,” she said, “getting good grades, no drugs, never shoplifting.” She recalled Miss Walters saying without fail: “Monica, next time steal from the store.”
Actor Hugh Jackman said Mrs. Walters was “cruelly funny, relentlessly curious, generous, open minded and a good friend.”
“She also hosted some of the most memorable dinner parties we have ever attended,” he said. Written On Facebook.
CNN host Don Lemon says that “sitting next to her at the dinner party is the best seat in the house.”
“She’s obviously great on television,” he Written On Facebook. “But I selfishly enjoy spending time with her face to face.”
NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said she has never faltered when questioning the most powerful people in the world. “She blames them,” he wrote on Twitter. “She cares about the truth and she cares about us too. Fortunately, she has inspired many other journalists to keep up the good work as well.”
Rosie O’Donnell, another former host of “The View,” said she was saddened to learn of Mrs. Walters’ death and recalled the many Broadway shows they attended together.
Ms O’Donnell said on Instagram: ‘Whenever we go backstage, I try to help her up the steps backstage. “And she was always slapping my arm and telling me to leave her alone.”
“She knew what she was doing,” she added, saying she wished Mrs. Walters would be remembered for “the barriers she broke down on women.”
jones contribution report.
