Barbara Walters -- Reportedly Retiring in 2014

The end is near for Barbara Walters ... 'cause the head chick on "The View" is reportedly saying sayonara to her TV career in 2014.

We know Barbara has been contemplating retirement for a while -- and in 2011, told President Obama she planned to retire in 2012.

A honcho at ABC News told TMZ at the time that Barbara has joked about retiring every year since the Clinton Administration ... but now, it seems the legendary newswoman may finally be serious about it.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Walters will make the official announcement in the coming weeks ... with her last broadcast taking place in May, 2014.

We reached out to Barbara's people for comment -- so far, no word back.