Report: Barbara Walters Blames ABC News For Wrecking The View
Barbara Walters
Remember that special episode of The View last month reuniting original cast members? While Joy Behar, Star Jones, Debbie Matenopolous and Meredith Vieira were all present and accounted for, there was one notable no-show, series co-creator Barbara Walters.
RELATED: Original The View Co-Hosts Reunited and it Was Everything (VIDEO)
A scathing report in Page Six claims Walters skipped the reunion special because of the decline in quality for the talk show since ABC News took over the program. Here's a quote from the article:
“She feels they’ve ruined the franchise that she and Bill Geddie built. Instead of focusing on smart, educated women with strong talent, they cast uninformed child actors on the show. The legacy has been compromised because of poor casting and bad leadership under ABC News,” a source told us.
RELATED: SHOCKER: News Division Seizes Control of The View From ABC Daytime
Ben Sherwood/ABC
ABC News snatched creative control of The View from ABC Daytime in 2014, a move sanctioned by Ben Sherwood. Before ascending to the role of president of Disney-ABC Television Group and chairman of Disney Media Networks, Sherwood ran ABC News.
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Walters and collaborator Bill Geddie were bought out of the franchise by Disney in 2014. Walters also retired that year.
Bill Geddie, Barbara Walters
RELATED: The View Continues to Coast on Fumes Without Bill Geddie and Barbara Walters' Leadership
Candace Cameron, Raven-Symone, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Michelle Collins, Paula Faris/ABC
The View has had a revolving door of co-host misfires of late, including former child stars Raven-Symone and Candace Cameron Bure. According to Page Six, this is a big part of the reason Walters is allegedly disgusted with the program. Moderator Whoopi Goldberg announced earlier this year The View's current season will be her last.
A rep for Walters told Page Six she missed the 20th anniversary reunion taping of The View due to a pre-scheduled vacation with her daughter. ABC issued this statement:
“There’s no better producer than Barbara Walters, and we’re always grateful for her notes about the show. The ratings are up, and we’re very proud of the team.”
