Barbara Walters biographer Susan Page discusses the late broadcaster's vision for "The View" and how it has evolved in the Trump era, highlighting the challenges of fostering diverse perspectives in a politically charged climate.
In the annals of television journalism, Barbara Walters stands as a pioneering figure, blazing trails for women and reshaping the landscape of broadcast news. Her legacy lives on through the enduring success of "The View," the groundbreaking daytime talk show she created in 1997.
Susan Page, Washington bureau chief for USA Today and author of "The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters," recently delved into Walters' vision for "The View" and how it has evolved over the decades, particularly in light of the politically charged Trump era.
Barbara Walters' Legacy on 'The View': A Complex View of Politics and Representation
According to Page, Walters believed that the show should feature women of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, creating a platform for different voices to engage in meaningful conversations. "Her concept of 'The View' would be women of different generations with different perspectives," Page told Fox News Digital. "She was pretty careful when she controlled who was on 'The View,' to have women of color on 'The View,' women with conservative points of view, because I think she thought that made for a more interesting conversation."
During Walters' tenure as a co-host for 17 seasons, "The View" tackled the news of the day, providing a forum for discussing current events from various angles. However, the show has become increasingly polarized in recent years, with its current lineup of hosts being outspoken critics of former President Donald Trump.
Barbara Walters' Legacy on 'The View': A Complex View of Politics and Representation
Page acknowledges the difficulties of fostering diverse perspectives in today's political climate. "I think that the rise of Donald Trump has created some real difficulties in conversations where you want to have all points of view. And I think that's a show that has struggled with that, as have some others," she said.
Nevertheless, Page emphasizes the importance of fairly representing Trump supporters in the media landscape. "If 40 or 45% of Americans at a minimum are gonna vote for Donald Trump, it is important to try to listen to the people who are going to vote for Trump and understand where they're coming from because that represents a huge part of the American population," she explained.
Barbara Walters' Legacy on 'The View': A Complex View of Politics and Representation
"The View" has faced criticism for its perceived lack of balance, with no pro-Trump co-host at the table in recent years. Yet, Page believes that Walters would appreciate the show's continued relevance in the political discourse. "One thing she would like about 'The View' today is that it is so relevant in our politics. It is a place that presidents and candidates go to, to make their cases to voters," she said.
Walters' legacy goes beyond the specific format of "The View." Her groundbreaking career shattered glass ceilings for women in journalism, inspiring generations to come. "For women journalists, no one has been a more iconic figure than Barbara Walters," Page said. "That's true for women in TV broadcast journalism, it's true for women in print journalism, like myself, as well."
Barbara Walters' Legacy on 'The View': A Complex View of Politics and Representation
Throughout her decades-long career, Walters repeatedly made history, becoming the first female co-host of NBC's "The Today Show" and later the highest paid news anchor ever when she joined ABC News. "If you grew up watching Barbara Walters, it wouldn't occur to you that a woman couldn't do big interviews, couldn't interview presidents and prime ministers and despots and murderers, and it also wouldn't occur to you that a woman couldn't make as much money or more than her male colleagues," Page said.
Walters' indomitable spirit and trailblazing achievements continue to inspire women and journalists alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of television and the broader media landscape. Her legacy will undoubtedly endure for years to come, as the industry she helped shape continues to grapple with the challenges of diversity, representation, and political polarization in the 21st century.
