A living icon in broadcasting and one of the most recognizable names in the business, Barbara Walters has confirmed that she will be stepping down from ABC and ‘The View’.
Walters confirmed earlier reports late last night. After a lifetime of dedicating herself to broadcasting Walters will retire next summer. She leaves behind a career that spans decades, Walters began her work in 1961 at NBC’s “Today Show” and later became a co-host. ABC News stated that Walters will continue to anchor and report for ABC News, and appear on “The View,” at different segments throughout the year. She will also complete her “20 Years of 10 Most Fascinating People” special which is set to air in December. She will also stay on as an executive producer of “The View”. A show she herself spearheaded back in 1997.
“I am very happy with my decision,” she said in a prepared statement. She then added, “I created ‘The View’ and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it.” Walters made television history at ABC Evening News, where she became the first female anchor on the evening news. As for future projects Walter said in her confirmation statement, “I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain.”
