December 30, 2022, American Journalist, Barbara Jill Walters, passes away at 93. “Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. She lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists but for all women,” Cindi Berger, Walters’ spokesperson, told CNN. 

 Walters began her career in 1961 on NBC’s “Today” show. She started as a reporter, writer, and panel member, until her promotion to co-host in 1974. Following her departure from the “Today” show in 1976, she joined ABC News, becoming the first female anchor on an evening news program. 

While at ABC, She launched “The Barbara Walters Specials” and “10 Most Fascinating People.” She then became a co-host and correspondent for ABC News’ “20/20.” During this time, she interviewed every US president and first lady since Richard Nixon. 

Barbara Walters’ shows were some of the highest rated news shows of the time. One of which is “The View,” where a diverse group of women discuss the latest headlines, led to many imitation programs. 

Walters departed from “The View” in 2014, remaining a part-time contributor for ABC News for two years after. 

“How proud when I see all the young women who are making and reporting the news. If I did anything to help make that happen, that is my legacy… From the bottom of my heart, to all of you with whom I have worked and to all of you who have watched and been at my side, I can say: ‘Thank you, Thank you, but then who knows what the future brings.’ But then I could say: ‘à bientôt, which means ‘see you later’ in French.” Barbara Walters said on her final day on “The View.” 

Barbara Walters famously interviewed Monica Lewinsky, opening up more information about the Bill Clinton scandal. She interviewed many famous world leaders and celebrities. Barbara was a joy for millions of people, as she always found a way to find the brightest parts of every situation.

Barbara Jill Walters faced an obscene amount of sexism in an industry that was run by men. Because of Walters, journalism as a whole has become more inclusive and accepting of women and other minorities. 

We here at the Aztec News would like to say, “Thank you Barbara Walters for your lifetime of work. Because of you, we have a newsroom full of racially diverse, Women, Men, and Nonbinary folk. You made it possible for every single person here to have a chance at navigating the world of cable news. À bientôt.”