The entertainment industry was struck with some horrible news regarding long-time ABC News anchor Barbara Walters, who passed on Friday at the age of 93.
Walters became the first female anchor on an evening news program upon joining ABC News in 1976 and paved the way for many in the world of both entertainment and journalism.
Throughout her five-decade career, Walters won 12 Emmy awards, the majority of those coming during her time at ABC. She is also responsible for the hit talk show “The View”, which still remains one of the most popular shows on television.
The sports world certainly indirectly felt her impact made on broadcast journalism, and many sports icons took to social media to pay tribute to her upon hearing of her unfortunate passing.
“A legendary journalist who will be deeply missed and whose work is greatly respected,” tweeted long-time NFL reporter for ESPN Ed Werder.
A legendary journalist who will be deeply missed and whose work is greatly respected. https://t.co/Qx2vHCdqB6
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 31, 2022
“Barbara Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her,” tweeted NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Barbara Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her.
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) December 31, 2022
“An amazing interview. RIP Barbara Walters,” tweeted former NBA player and current media personality Rex Chapman.
An amazing interview. RIP Barbara Walters… https://t.co/zm73m8W5Qr
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) December 31, 2022
It is very clear that her loss is being felt by plenty around the world and her impact was felt by even more.
[ABC News]
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.