Barbara Walters: Journalistic Ethics or Not?

For the aspiring journalist - - the one who is wide eyed, ready for the world, pen in one hand, and dream in the other a word of advise: you may want to look elsewhere for role models and not mimic those who are star studded, painted in glamour, and are queens of the entertainment world.  Yes, I am talking about Ms. Barbara Walters.

Earlier this month, Barbara Walters and Star Jones Reynolds had a public spat. The two shared the spotlight on ABC’s daytime money maker - -The View. Apparently, Star’s contract with ABC was not up for renewal. With this Star would have to find another job. Star was supposed to walk away with dignity. Yet, dignity in TV terms meant make up a story as to why she was leaving the show.

The View for those who don’t know is a daytime talk show. The show has sustained ten years of television history and is marked by success. Women who gab around a table, drink coffee, discuss life, love, nature, and all - is just a glimpse on what the show has to offer.  

No disrespect to Ms. Barbara Walters, but what in the world was she thinking?

Think about this - -Barbara Walters - acclaimed journalist admitted to the world that she was ready to lie and thus, back up Star's story as to why Star was leaving the cast of The View.  When Star announced to the world that her contract was not up for renewal Barbara despised this. So, if Star had decided to tell the world that she in fact, was joining the circus Barbara would have nodded her head and said…good luck with taming the lions and we will miss you on The View? What is all this entertainment drama, behind the scenes, keep it a secret stuff about?

How many seasoned journalists cringed when they read or heard that Ms. Walters daytime Diva was set to lie on behalf of the soon to be former co-worker?  Moreover, how many viewers will still remain faithful to The View following Barbara’s slip of the tongue? Or was it a slip of the tongue? That’s the real question.