Trouble In Oprah Winfrey World

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Trouble In Oprah Winfrey World

September 14. 2009

An article authored by Yahoo News questioned whether there is trouble in Oprah Winfrey's television empire, as ratings have fallen in a very noticeable manner.

Some are attributing the ratings slide to Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama for President, but I do not believe that is the case. However, refusing to interview Palin, did not help.

Oprah Winfrey has made comments contrary to the Christian faith she once claimed. She has become caught up in Hollywood and its leanings.

This has alienated a significant segment of her core audience, who are everyday Americans, 70% of which are Christians.

As much as audiences read about celebrities in magazines and on blogs, it does not mean they relate to and identify with them, as their lives are completely different. It is only a form of temporary escapism and entertainment for audiences.

Viewers preferred the down to earth Winfrey, speaking about issues they relate to, not the Hollywood, liberal, new age religion, gay agenda version that has emerged over the last few years, ripping into anyone and anything that does not agree with her new choices. Diplomacy is important on the talk show circuit.

Some of what has been stated by Winfrey, against people and issues that essentially do not deserve it, has been quite negative and it has created a ratings slide.

I know many Christians who have tuned out her show over misguided comments she made such as, "Jesus is jealous of me" stated by Winfrey, who misinterpreted a metaphor in the Bible.

Another recent example audiences took offense at was Winfrey's refusal to acknowledge the death of Michael Jackson, who she branded a pedophile and tried to get ex-wife Lisa Marie to proclaim him the same.

Winfrey's own experiences in being raped when she was younger, colored her perspective on the issue of child exploitation, which is understandable, but as a journalist, one must strike a balance, as difficult and painful as it may be to do so.

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham

Some also attribute her change in perspective to being swept up by the Hollywood gay lifestyle, with many stating her close friend, Gayle, who she bought an expensive apartment, has actually become her lover, in the face of boyfriend Stedman Graham's infidelities. Hence, her animosity towards the values she once claimed.

Winfrey has been very charitable with many causes, which is commendable, but in taping her shows, she must remember her core audience or face ratings declines. It is her choice.

Is there trouble in Oprah's TV kingdom?

NEW YORK – ...Winfrey is still the queen of daytime television, but the aura of invincibility is gone. The average viewership for "The Oprah Winfrey Show" slipped under 7 million last season, down 7 percent from the year before, according to Nielsen Media Research. One week during the July rerun season, the show had its lowest ratings since its 1985 debut.

There are many possible explanations for the fade, including some over which Winfrey has no control. Ratings declines are common with so many choices and demands on time, particularly during the day. It's even rarer for programs that have been on the air as long as Winfrey's to grow...

Yet Winfrey has also alienated some of her audience, particularly in more conservative parts of the country, said Janice Peck, author of the book "Age of Oprah" and a University of Colorado professor.

By endorsing Barack Obama and campaigning for him, she shucked her apolitical image. Winfrey's book club selection of Eckhart Tolle's New Age religion book "A New Earth" angered some conservative Christians — even though Winfrey's producer said Winfrey was careful not to push Tolle's views on viewers through the television show...

http://news.yahoo.com