Barbara Walters, a name synonymous with groundbreaking journalism, forever changed the landscape of news broadcasting. In the 1960s, she shattered barriers on The Today Show, paving the way for women in a male-dominated industry. Now, director Jackie Jensko’s documentary, Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, delves into Walters’ remarkable journey, exposing the pervasive misogyny she faced and the intricate personal life she navigated. This exploration provides a comprehensive look at a woman who redefined news and left an indelible mark on American media.
Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival and set to release on Hulu on June 23, the film promises an intimate portrayal of Walters, revealing vulnerabilities and strengths alike. Through archival footage, interviews, and commentary from contemporaries like Diane Sawyer and Oprah Winfrey, the documentary highlights not only her professional triumphs but also the personal struggles that shaped her legendary career. This article explores the key themes and revelations presented in Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, offering insights into Walters’ enduring legacy.
Breaking Barriers on The Today Show
Walters’ ascent on The Today Show was marked by significant challenges. Initially confined to covering women’s features like fashion and commerce, she yearned for richer, more impactful news stories. Her determination led her to independently conduct and edit her own interviews, gradually expanding her role and influence within the program. This initiative showcased her ambition and talent, setting the stage for her future accomplishments.
One of her most notable early interviews was the joint discussion with Israeli President Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1977. Walters secured this pivotal interview by racing against Walter Cronkite of CBS and NBC’s Johnny Chancellor. An archival clip captures the moment of triumph when Sadat extended his hand to Walters first, solidifying her victory and underscoring her growing influence in the world of broadcast journalism.
Confronting Workplace Misogyny
Throughout her career, Walters encountered blatant misogyny, particularly from her male colleagues. Frank McGee, the host of The Today Show, epitomized this hostility by insisting on asking the first three questions in any joint interview. Walters described her time working with Harry Reasoner at ABC as “the most painful period in my life,” highlighting the constant belittlement and disrespect she endured. These experiences fueled her determination to create her own path, often conducting interviews outside the studio to circumvent these restrictions.
Walters turned these challenges into opportunities. Her on-location interviews with politicians and celebrities became her signature, distinguishing her from other programs. This innovative approach not only allowed her to bypass studio limitations but also provided audiences with unprecedented access to the lives of influential figures. This shift marked a turning point in her career, solidifying her status as a pioneering journalist.
Redefining Celebrity Journalism
Walters’ interviews with celebrities broke new ground, blurring the lines between hard news and entertainment. She approached celebrities with the same candor and depth as politicians, making stars accessible to everyday viewers. This approach, though initially criticized, quickly gained popularity. Walters’ ability to take audiences behind the scenes of the lives of the wealthy and famous set a new standard for celebrity journalism, which remains a staple of modern news.
Her sharp attitude and unapologetic candor shone through in these interviews. Walters credited her early experiences backstage at her father’s nightclub for her ability to see celebrities as ordinary people, unintimidated by their fame. This unique perspective allowed her to ask probing questions and elicit genuine responses, further cementing her reputation as a fearless and insightful interviewer.
Vulnerability Behind the Veneer
Despite her tough exterior, Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything reveals Walters’ vulnerabilities and insecurities. The film delves into her personal struggles, including her miscarriages and her complicated relationship with her adopted daughter, Jackie. These moments of raw emotion humanize Walters, offering a glimpse behind the hard veneer she often presented on television. Her willingness to share these intimate details adds depth to her public persona, making her even more relatable.
The documentary also explores her romantic relationships, including her marriages and affairs. Special attention is given to her relationship with lawyer Roy Cohn, who aided her father in battling tax evasion charges. Commentary from colleagues like Oprah Winfrey and Cynthia McFadden offers disapproving perspectives on her romances, particularly her affair with the married Senator Edward Brooke. These revelations paint a complex picture of Walters’ personal life, adding another layer to her multifaceted story.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
Walters’ impact on the media landscape is undeniable. In 1976, she became the highest-paid news anchor when she signed a $5 million contract with ABC. In 1997, she created The View, which she co-hosted until her retirement in 2014. Her final episode, featured in the documentary, showcased dozens of prominent women in media, including Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, and Connie Chung, symbolizing the countless careers she helped pave the way for. This powerful visualization underscores Walters’ enduring legacy as a trailblazer for women in journalism.
Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything is a testament to Walters’ strength, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions to journalism. By exploring her professional triumphs and personal challenges, the documentary offers a candid and comprehensive look at a woman who redefined the news industry. The film promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking tribute to a true icon, leaving audiences with a deeper appreciation for her lasting impact.
Final Thoughts: A Lasting Legacy
Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything provides a revealing and intimate look into the life of a woman who broke barriers and redefined journalism. The documentary explores her early struggles with misogyny, her innovative approach to celebrity interviews, and the personal challenges she faced behind the scenes. Through archival footage, interviews, and commentary, the film paints a comprehensive picture of Walters’ remarkable journey and enduring legacy.
As the credits roll, viewers are left with a profound appreciation for Walters’ contributions to media and her unwavering determination to pave the way for future generations of women. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of resilience, innovation, and unapologetic candor. Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything is not just a documentary; it is a celebration of a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.
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