Journalist Susan Page talks about Barbara Walters's groundbreaking career as a newswoman and her signature interview specials, which blended news and entertainment. Page was interested in understanding Walters' inner life – the source of her drive, how she navigated hostile work environments, and being teased for her speech impediment. Page's book is The Rulebreaker. Also, rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Taylor Swift's 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
On the Ted Radio hour, linguist Ann Curzan says she gets a lot of complaints about people using the pronoun they to refer to one person.
I sometimes get into arguments with people where they will say to me, but it can't be singular.
And I will say, but it is the history behind words causing a lot of debate.
That's on the Ted radio hour from NPR.
This is FRESH AIR.
I'm Tanya Mosley.
On October 4, 1976, Harry Reisner, evening anchor for ABC News, introduced the nation to the first female network news co anchor on primetime television, Barbara Walters.
Closer to home.
I have a new colleague to welcome.
BARBARA thank you, Harry.
Well, tonight has finally come for me, and I'm very pleased to be with you, Harry, and with ABC News.
And later I'll have a chance to comment on my new duties.
We'll tell you tonight about a Supreme Court action which allows the death penalty to go ahead in at least three states.
We will hear some.
That was Walters in 1976 on her first day as evening anchor for ABC News.
She was only in that role for two years, but her arrival changed news media as we know it.
Walters was not only the first woman to sit in the chair, she also became the highest paid anchor commanding top dollar in what was an exclusively male dominated field.
The press dubbed her the million dollar baby.
In a new biography by award winning journalist Susan Page titled the Rule the Life and Times of Barbara Walters, Paige explores Walters career, starting with how her entertainment booking agent, father and special needs sister shaped her worldview, how she cultivated her signature interview style and the cost her ambition and success had on her personal life.
Walter shaped what we now know as personality interviews, long form televised conversations with sitting president, foreign dictators, celebrities and the notorious, including high profile murderers and criminals.