How did Oprah become so big and powerful? (This is not a stupid question about her weight!)?

Question

I've always wondered how Oprah became such a household name, I mean she is just a talk show host.
Why not Ricki Lake, Sally, Maury, Montel etc:
How did Oprah rise above all of them and become a huge media conglomerate?

Answer 1

Like her or not, Oprah was born with a communications gift. In addition to that, she is a very smart business woman who surrounds herself with very smart people.

Anyone that can "hold" millions of people's attention, for 45 to 60 minutes on a daily basis for several years can become a very powerful person.

Answer 2

Oprah has been infront of the spotlight for quite awhile. She is what you could call carismatic. She has appeal to a broad section of society and does charity work, etc. that appeals to people. Oprah is a fine example of what a black woman or man can achieve with hard work and of course a little luck and good timing.

Answer 3

Oprah all ways has credited her power of knowledge that has taken her success to higher grounds. Oprah will read before the thought or the word "TV" crosses her mind. With her love of knowledge through reading combined with her boyfriend's expertise in finance, how could she fail?

Answer 4

Because she offers innocuous, mediocre, non offensive pablum to people that makes them feel better about themselves. People eat it up.

Answer 5

idk,i dont like oprah much cuz sometimes i think shes better than every1

Answer 6

I admire the woman and applaud her efforts, but can't help but think that the "black card" had something to do with it.

Answer 7

Ambition and well timed luck.