Veteran ABC newswoman Barbara Walters has been hospitalised after falling at an inauguration party at the residence of Britain's ambassador to the United States.

ABC News spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said the 83-year-old Walters fell on Saturday night on a step at the residence of Peter Westmacott.

Walters had a cut on her forehead.

Schneider said on Sunday that Walters went to a hospital "out of an abundance of caution" and for a full examination.

He said Walters was alert "and telling everyone what to do", which was "a very positive sign".

It is unclear when Walters might be released.

Walters was TV news' first female superstar, making headlines in 1976 as a network anchor with an unprecedented $US1 million annual salary.