Who is oprah winfrey

1. Who is Oprah?
By Krzysztof Kreft
Media personality and business tycoon Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in
Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her television talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, has caused her to
gain significant influence and recognition in the whole USA. Known to her fans as a loving and
compassionate woman, Oprah continues to expand her reach as a celebrity, businesswoman,
philanthropist and author.
Early life
Oprah was born to unmarried parents Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey, during their teenage
years. She spent the first six years of her life in poverty, often being ridiculed by other children
in their neighborhood for wearing dresses made from potato sacks.
When she moved with her mother to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she suffered sexual abuse from
her cousin and her uncle, as well as from a family friend. At fourteen, her mother sent her to
live with her father Vernon, who, according to Oprah herself, was very supportive and
encouraging of her. Through him, Oprah was able to garner awards in school, which led her to
earn scholarships as well.
Education
Oprah was considered to be a smart girl growing up. She was able to memorize and recite Bible
verses easily when she was a child. She even skipped two elementary levels before landing a
scholarship to Nicolet High School in Milwaukee, where she was able to graduate with honors.
She was constantly winning contests and honors in school, and was able to earn her college
scholarship to Tennessee State University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in
Communication.
Career
Oprah started her career as a broadcaster in her senior year in high school, when she worked
part time as a newscaster at WVOL, Nashville's local black radio station. She then became the
youngest and only black female newscaster at WLAC-TV, also in Nashville. She had other several
radio stints before landing a career in television.
In 1984, Oprah hosted AM Chicago, a half-hour talk show which soon gained popularity and
even took over Donahue as the highest rated show in Chicago. This success caused the show to
be renamed as the Oprah Winfrey Show, a full-hour show that was broadcast nationally. Since
then, Oprah continued to rise not only as a broadcaster and host, but also as a person and
celebrity.

2. Success
The success of her TV show has caused Oprah to venture into new projects, such as establishing
her own radio channel "Oprah and Friends", a women's cable network named Oxygen, a
production company named Harpo Productions and two publications O (The Oprah Magazine)
and O at Home, among many others.
Oprah is also reported to be the wealthiest African American of her time, earning millions of
dollars every year and an accumulated worth of more than $2.7 billion. She is also considered
as the most influential woman in the world, with her networks of supporters and followers.
Influence
Oprah has established authority and credibility, not only as a broadcaster but also as a person.
Her honesty and rapport with her viewers and guests have captured the hearts of people, and
have continued to esteem her as an inspiration and an icon.
Her TV show continues to stay at the top in terms of viewership and ratings. Also, her
magazines O at Home and O, The Oprah Magazine are reported to be the most successful
startup in the industry.
Through her show, products and personalities have gained attention and have even become
very popular. For example, every time a book would be featured in Oprah's Book Club, it would
instantly experience increased sales.
Also, products reviewed in her show sell better after being featured and praised by Oprah
herself. Personalities who have become more popular because of her show include Dr. Mehmet
Oz, Nate Berkus, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Robin Smith and Dr. Phil McGraw, who now has his
own TV show, named Dr. Phil produced by Oprah's Harpo Productions.
She has also co-authored five books and is set to co-author
a weight-loss book with her personal trainer Bob Greene.
This project is reported to have the highest advance fee,
proving yet again that Oprah Winfrey is indeed the most
influential and most important personality of her time.
Oprah is also known to be a generous philanthropist,
donating large amounts to charity and even establishing
Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls, an all-girls
school in South Africa that provides education and support
to more than 100 girls in the area.