After 25 years of sovereignty, Oprah Winfrey will abdicate her role as daytime television Queen on September 9, 2001, says Harpo, Inc.
Did anyone ever think that there would someday be a 4pm timeslot without Oprah’s name attached? Not I. Certainly not I.
Oprah’s impact extends far beyond a midday talk show segment. There is no other in the entertainment industry that has such extensive corporate and political connections. Her approval on almost any subject matter is as good as gold.
The Midas Touch indeed.
Oprah has her critics – it’s hard not to when you’re in such a position of power – but her rise to fame was not rooted in scandal or questionable business tactics; but rather on a good woman, doing good things.
How many others can boast that claim? Not too many. At least, not many that are internationally recognized.
Despite how one feels about Oprah, it would be premature to disregard her influence.
Oprah is a self-contained entity. She’s a corporate monster – and I mean that in the best way possible. She is THE industry force to be reckoned with. Get right, or get left; but get out of her way.
So, what’s next for Oprah? Is there anything she could pursue that she hasn’t already cemented? Rumor has it she’s considering launching a cable channel.
If that surprises you, it shouldn’t. She’s already set a standard, that has yet to be duplicated, for daytime television. Her stamp of approval has skyrocketed authors to the bestselling list; music artists to platinum level; actors to leading status and politicians to the White House.
It seems only fitting that she would expand her already vast empire through the very medium that catapulted her to global domination.
That’s right: Global domination. She rules your television experience and you don’t even know it. Tsk, tsk.
Daytime television will never be the same; but that’s okay. Sometimes the precedent is better than the offsprings.
So, enjoy her while you can. 2011 is peeking and you’ll wonder why your afternoons seem discombobulated.
Congratulations on 25 years, Oprah. 2011 welcomes you. I’m sure the best is yet to come.
Goodbye and farewell . . . for now. It’s been a lovely ride.
XOXO.
