The Power of Oprah
She makes or breaks the careers of "memoir" writers, changes schedules on CNN, commands respect from wisecracking late-night hosts that have no qualms about openly mocking news anchors, has legions of loyal fans around the world, and only needs to go by one name: Oprah.
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most powerful celebrities in the world. Forbes estimates the Queen of Daytime Talk has a net worth of $1.4 billion and has amassed almost unfathomable power and influence through a feel-good empire of confession, redemption, and self-help. By touting anything, from books to bras, she can inspire mega-mass consumption and move markets, The Phoenix reports.
"Oprah has become this incredibly powerful, in some ways magnetic figure in this culture," says Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson, who once wrote a column about the "Cult of Oprah." "I think she's obviously just stone brilliant."
Robert Thompson, head of Syracuse�s Center for the Study of Popular Television, says Oprah's far-reaching influence gives her "a grip on this culture. It is kind of frightening." But he acknowledges that her popularity and undeniable power is good news, saying that only a half-century after segregation, a black woman could become such an important symbol.
Oprah's reach is expanding every day. XM Satellite Radio and Harpo Radio announced today the finalization of a $55-million deal to launch a channel featuring the talk-show host. The new channel, "Oprah and Friends," will begin broadcasting in September and will feature original programming from Harpo Radio, including a weekly reality radio show with Winfrey and her best friend, Gayle King, CNN reports.
"Oprah Winfrey is a prolific force in our culture whose unprecedented achievements in television, film, publishing and philanthropy will bring an amazing radio experience to the XM nation of subscribers," says Hugh Panero, president and CEO of XM Satellite Radio.
posted by Victor Lloyd Smith @ 4:30 PM
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