Barbara Walters's Kevo

Barbara Walters stormed into broadcasting without many positive things going for her, but people continued to believe in her potential and she rose to respected famed quickly.

Even her success caused controversy. She started at "Today Girl" and took important stories and interviews, such as a journalist - the only female - on Nixon's trip to China in 1972. Her experience paid off. She was given a contract for $1 million a year for 5 years from ABC, which caused a flurry because other more experienced journalists were not getting close to as much.

Walters used her raise and the fame she gained from it to challenge the relationship between news and entertainment. She began doing specials and was criticized for the "Hollywood" cast she chose to interview. However, she always balanced her credibility by also interviewing political figures, such as her joint interview between Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin for a joint interview. Walters also questioned the difference between entertainers like Johnny Carson getting paid millions and her making a similar salary.

Despite her controversies, Walters has proven herself to the viewing public with her numerous highly-rated specials, as well as with 20/20, which still maintains a loyal following after over 20 years.
Work History
(1997--) co-executive producer, The View, ABC, New York

(1979--) co-host ABC TV news show, 20/20

(1976--) host, The Barbara Walters Specials

(1976-78) newscaster, ABC Evening News (now ABC World News Tonight)

(1974-76) moderator syndicated program, Not For Women Only

(1974-76) co-host, Today Show

(1964-74) regular panel member, Today Show

former writer-producer, WNBC-TV, then with, Stas. WPIX and CBS-TV

Contributer to Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, Family Weekly and ABC programs Issues and Answers
Awards
Barbara Walters has also won numerous Awards