Barbara Walters: A Complex Legacy

Barbara Walters was a trailblazer in the world of television journalism, known for her sharp interviewing skills and persistent nature. Despite facing sexism in the industry, she didn’t shy away from asking tough questions and delving into the personal lives of her subjects. In a memorable interview with the Kardashian family, she famously questioned their talent, or lack thereof.

While Walters projected confidence on screen, behind the scenes, she struggled with insecurities about her looks and had a strained relationship with her daughter, Jackie. Her focus on her career often led to transactional relationships, and some have criticized her moral compass.

The new documentary Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything delves into both the achievements and shortcomings of Walters, using archival footage and interviews with former subjects like Oprah Winfrey, Monica Lewinsky, and Bette Midler. Walters had a unique ability to get her interviewees to open up emotionally, leading to groundbreaking moments in television history.

Jackie Jesko, the director of Tell Me Everything, brings her experience in broadcast journalism to the project, offering a fresh perspective on Walters’s legacy. In a recent interview with Vogue, Jesko discusses her preconceptions of Walters and the process of sourcing interviews for the documentary.

Vogue: Barbara Walters is a news personality from largely before your time. What was your perception of her before embarking on this project?

Before working on this project, I viewed Barbara Walters as a groundbreaking journalist who paved the way for women in television. Her interviewing style was legendary, and she was known for getting her subjects to reveal personal details that others couldn’t. I was intrigued by her complex persona and wanted to delve deeper into her story.

Overall, Barbara Walters left a lasting impact on the field of journalism, and her legacy continues to influence aspiring journalists today.