Barbara Walters Is Remembered as a Trailblazer in Journalism
Barbara Walters, who died Friday at the age of 93, was remembered for her tenacious journalism that blazed a trail for women in the industry.
As word of her death spread, memories and tributes to Ms. Walters flooded social media.
Robert A. Iger, the chief executive of the Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC News, said on Twitter that Ms. Walters “was a true legend, a pioneer not just for women in journalism but for journalism itself.”
Journalists across the country recalled on Friday night the effect that Ms. Walters had on their careers, directly and indirectly. Many noted how her interviews were models for good journalistic practices. Others marveled at the bravery she displayed when sitting across some of the world’s most powerful people. And many described Ms. Walters as a “trailblazer” who helped carve a path for women in the news industry.
David Muir, an anchor for ABC News, wrote on Twitter that “so often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer — but Barbara Walters was all of these.” He added that “above all else, Barbara Walters was brave.” Robin Roberts, an anchor on “Good Morning America,” said that she was “forever grateful for her stellar example and for her friendship.”
Deborah Roberts, an ABC News senior national affairs correspondent, said on Twitter that she “will never forget” when Ms. Walters called to offer her a job on “20/20.” She said it was an honor to share the set.
Dan Rather, the former network news anchor, said that Ms. Walters “outworked, out-thought, and out-hustled her competitors.”
“The world of journalism has lost a pillar of professionalism, courage, and integrity,” Mr. Rather said.
Maria Shriver, a former NBC News anchor and California first lady, described Ms. Walters as a mentor and a friend. “So many women broke into the news business because she did her job well,” Ms. Shriver wrote on Twitter.
Meghan McCain, a former host of “The View,” said on Twitter that Ms. Walters’s “hard hitting questions & welcoming demeanor made her a household name and leader in American journalism.”
Star Jones, one of the original co-hosts of “The View,” wrote: “I owe Barbara Walters more than I could ever repay. Rest well sister.”
Ms. Walters’s reach also stretched beyond the journalism industry. Actors and athletes remembered her ability to be fearless during interviews.
Lynda Carter, an actress best known for her role as Wonder Woman in the live-action television series, described Ms. Walters as an “American institution.”
“As the first female national news anchor, she opened the door to endless possibilities for so many girls who wanted to work in TV, myself included,” Ms. Carter said on Twitter. “Her impact cannot be overstated. I’ll miss you, Barbara. Thank you for everything.”
The N.B.A. Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said that Ms. Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. “She held them accountable,” he wrote on Twitter. “She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting.”
Juston Jones and John Yoon contributed reporting.
