Review of TV’s Top Journalists, Interviewers and Hosts
From America’s Broadcasting Company, ABC offers Ted Koppel, George Stephanopoulus, Barbra Walters and Diane Sawyer. Ted Koppel hosts Nightline on ABC and is one of the smartest minds hosting the news. He asks professional questions and sets high standards for his show every week. George Stephanopoulus hosts “This Week” on ABC. Stephanopoulus does not embarras the guests on his show but he does question their motives and policies on occassion. Still his show needs to gain more credibility and popularity with the people.
Barbara Walters hosts 20/20 for ABC and does whatever it takes to get an interview with the person she is seeking. Her questions are not hard and she likes to build a friendly atmosphere with the person during the interview. Finally ABC has Diane Sawyer on for Primetime Live.
The National Broadcasting Company, NBC has one main news man and that is Tim Russert. Russert asks tough questions that would make any politician sweat. Russert knows his facts and researches the background of his interviewee and subject material very closely which is why he is able to ask some great questions on his feet. His follow-up questions are also great and show he is interested in the interview. Russert hosts Meet the Press. On MSNBC Chris Matthews hosts Hardball which shoots is shows in Washington D.C. on the American University campus. Matthews on hardball asks demanding questions and really grills his opponents. Both sides of the issues are discussed by the men on hardball and it is a very interesting show that I strongly recommend for anyone interested in politics.
On Fox News Bill O’Reilly hosts The O’Reilly Factor. O’Reilly likes to hear his own voice and the answers that the person gives on his show are paid no attention. It is a very liberal show in its views. Finally, there is Larry King on CNN who hosts Larry King Live. Larry King has had his show for so many years that he has become an icon in journalism. Larry King asks open ended questions which allows the person to tell their side of the story. Throughout all the years of his show Larry has had som promising and famous guests on his show which have made great interviews.
Finally, I’d like to end with a word about Mike Wallace who hosted 60 minutes on CBS for so many years. Mike Wallace was in his 80s when he retired and he devoted most of his life to his field of journalism. He has an eccentric personality and made his interviews lively and spirited. He asked the tough questions to men like John Ulrich who served under Nixon during the Watergate Scandal and the Ayotallah of Iran. His show was one of the best for the news on television and it will be sad to see him leave after such a great run.
