Barbara Walters is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author, who is best known for her television journalism career. She was the first woman to anchor a network evening news program and later one of the most influential figures in news media. The article discusses Walters’ early career and highlights her career successes and net worth.
Career Beginnings and Accomplishments
Barbara Walters was born on September 25, 1929, in Boston Massachusetts. Her family was in show business and she was exposed to the entertainment industry early on. Walters graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1951 and worked in journalism. She started as a writer and producer for a local NBC affiliate in New York before joining CBS to produce women’s interest segments.
Walters worked on NBC’s “The Today Show” as a writer and researcher in 1961. She soon became its first female co-host in 1974. Walters’ interview style and ability to connect with subjects of all kinds won her widespread acclaim. She interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and influential figures.
Walters became the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program when she joined ABC’s Evening News in 1976. Her tenure for this role was brief but it opened up more opportunities. Walters later hosted and produced the long-running news magazine 20/20, where she conducted some of her most memorable interviews – with Fidel Castro, Monica Lewinsky, and Vladimir Putin.
In 1997, Walters started and co-hosted “The View,” a talk show featuring women from diverse backgrounds on current issues. The show became hugely successful and remains one of Walters’ biggest contributions to television.
Barbara Walters’ Net Worth
As at the time of her death in December 2022, Barbara Walters had a net worth of around $170 million. Her wealth was built from decades of groundbreaking journalism as well as investment work and business ventures.
Below are factors that contributed to her staggering net worth:
Television Host and Journalist
The salary Walters received as a television host and journalist contributed significantly to her net worth. Walters was among the highest paid TV personality of her time. Her $1 million annual contract with ABC in 1976 made her the country’s highest paid news anchor. Her salary also grew over the years – especially during her time on 20/20 and The View. Her earnings from these shows built her substantial wealth.
Business Ventures
Walters was also a savvy businesswoman. Her holdings included The View, one of the most successful daytime talk shows on television history. The show’s longevity and popularity helped her financial portfolio.
Books and Public Speaking
Walters also made money through book deals and speaking engagements besides her television earnings. Her autobiography, Audition: A Memoir, was a bestseller. Her legacy as a pioneering journalist made her a popular speaker.
Conclusion
Barbara Walters was a pioneer in journalism and a shrewd businesswoman who amassed about $170 million. Her breakthrough work in television, smart investments, and multiple streams of income helped grow her net worth.