Newspapers / Mars Hill University Student … / Oct. 15, 1976, edition 1 / Page 16
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Page Sixteen, The EiVltop, October 15, 1976 On the New ABC News- Walters’ Presence Brings Changes There is change in the winds. ABC seems to be the one network feeling the ef fect of those breezes, at least when concerning the nightly network newscast. After one of the most intense and expansive advertising and promotional campaigns for any event on the television screen, ABC has launched its new news format. A new set, more in-depth reporting and a wide range of news features and reviews have been added (along with a sizable in crease in the ABC news bud get). But there is one new fiature that stands out above the glittering lights and de tailed reports. No longer is Harry Reasoner co-anchoring with his newspartner Howard K. Smith, but now has a quite different partner.Often call ed "the million dollar lady" because of the salary ABC is paying her, Barbara Walters now graces the ABC News stu dio instead of the hallowed halls of the NBC Today show. Much talk and discussion was offered by all concerned when Ms. Walters left NBC to assume the role as the first anchorwoman on a national newscast. Critics of Walters said she just wouldn't be able to cut it as a news- woman ; anchorlady of a nation al newscast was quite a bit different from the syrupy, early-morning coffee chat Ms. Walters was so used to on the Today show. But those who made those comments blatantly disregarded the intense,first- rate interviewing that Ms. Walters had so ably demon strated throughout her ca reer at NBC. Her interviews with various personalities have surpassed many national ly known interviewers and newspapermen simply because Ms. Walters has tried to get to the core of the matter quickly and decisively. This trait of hers for aggressive reporting and interviewing has gained for her a reputa tion by many as uncouth,brash, and insensitive. The same traits that bring condemna tion by her critics bring praise by her "fans" as being qualities all first-rate re porters should possess. Now Ms. Walters brings her special kind of reporting to ABC. The news format of ABC has long needed revamping,and Ms. Walters seems to be the touch they needed. (Hopefully, too, her presence will boost the sagging ABC ratings which have always been third behind CBS and NBC respectively.)Mr. Reasoner,in this opening week of the new format, seemed a bit disconcerted by Walters, however. One could certainly see why. Mr. Reasoner has openly expressed (especially when ABC brass announced their decision to pair Mr. Reasoner up with Walters)that he felt he should have been given more time by himself to try and build an audience. At one point it looked as if Reasoner might quit the ABC news business altogether. But a compromise was worked out Cand probably a salary in crease) that helped sooth Mr. Reasoner's "savage soul." Whether Ms. Walter's pre sence will help boost ABC's news ratings remains to yet \inpublished Neilsen ratings to determine. However, with her expertise as a reporter •and news journalist, even Walter Cronkite must sit back and take notice. For not only is Ms. Walter's an excellent newscaster, she is one heck of a lady. Like it or not,one has to admire and respect someone who make s it to the top of her field. Ms. Walters has done that, and upon her own merits. If it were up to us, we'd like to see a lot more like her make the climb. Congratulations ABC. You're making the climb, too! Poetry Corner When fall came and leaves fell it reminded me of how winter comes and snow falls *oause there were white streaks on the road - like snow^ but it had only rained. And it was cold. Today when the wind was blowing I saw the clouds running. The only way to tell is to watch the shadows. And the sun was peeping through. I wished it hadn 't rained quite so hard. Some of the leaves who wanted to show off fell . . . before they got their turn; And I almost fell down the bank, too. 'Cause they mowed the grass . . . and left a green carpet sidewalk. - Becky Robinson Any student “interested in sutmvttvng poetry to the Hilltop's 'Poetry Comer' should do so by sending his/her poetry selections to Post Office Box 1148. ilars^ ®^ed x^led Va] = J ’^endJ ®0l ^0] nc ’5>ic I toH Sl Bd
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