Oprah's Ratings Slip While Magazine Circulation Falls

New York Times:

Oprah Winfrey is still the queen of all media, but her crown is beginning to look a bit tarnished.

The average audience for "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has fallen nearly 7 percent this year, according to Nielsen Media Research -- its third straight year of decline. "Oprah's Big Give," an ABC philanthropic reality show, beat every program on television except "American Idol" in its premiere week this winter, but steadily lost nearly one-third of its audience during the rest of its eight-week run, according to Nielsen.

The circulation of O, The Oprah Magazine, has fallen by more than 10 percent in the last three years, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, and the magazine is now seeking a new editor in chief after the announced retirement of its longtime steward, Amy Gross.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[marymansour]

Oprah, with her good works and help for the impoverished in Africa, has fallen prey to the race card thrown out there by the Clinton campaign. Just when it seemed that race was becoming a non-issue in the USA, count on the Clintons and their horrible friends like Geraldine Ferraro, to put it back on the agenda. And to think that Bill Clinton was called the first 'black' president.

Oprah was running strong until the primaries began. I fear for what is happening in America. We had come so far. It's so sad.

[jkpcguru]

Thats a real shame. She's such a good person. I've always like Oprah and her show. But this is the price she is paying for pissing off her core constituency, clinton women!

[lincheryl]

If this has been happening over a period of three years, I don't think the Clinton women are the only reason. Ratings of all shows are tending to go down. People are spending more time on the Internet than they used to and that is cutting into the tv and magazine market. Also, I think more women are working because of the economy.

[toocoldout]

Is Edward Wyatt of the New York Times a Clinton or McCain supporter? It seems strange to write a huge article about a 7% decline in ratings when her show is still number one, and all shows are declining in ratings. He could have wriiten this article about anyone in media but he chose to single out Oprah.

[hank48188]

I think Rachael Ray is kicking her ass when they show her in oprah's time slot

[SifSkade]

With the economy tanking, no doubt a chunk of her viewers probably had to re-enter the work force. No idea whether Nielson counts Tivo or DVR viewing or midnight re-runs.

[ILoveNYC]

PLEEEEASE!!! Who here wouldn’t want to be “failing” like Oprah? 1 billion dollars and counting!

[NotaBeliever]

She has had an excellent run and will continue to do well for her fans, investors and sponsors. I don't see the problem here. So her ratings slip and her magazine circulation is falling. This is what happens over time. It's not big news. Television shows come and go. Magazines fly and fold. Was Oprah supposed to be an eternal flame or something?

[debrouillard]

I think this report is not indicative. Yes,it has accurately point out that her ratings with respect to her previous ratings has dropped. But so has the ratings for every other show of the same nature dropped over the same period of time. So has magazines sales for every magazine. Its a socio-ecomic impact and nothing to do with Oprah.

Same way Walmart sales have decline,as has other super markets chain. People just dont have as much disposable income today like the used to have.And that trend has carried on over the metioned time frame.

[cobobs]

I would so love to have Oprah's "problem"–­$50million less than last year? Ha ha ha...

She is too savvy of business woman not to have known that by publicly rendering her support for a candidate, she might be alienating some of her viewers. Sometimes a person just has to forget about the dollar and stand up for something. I think she made that calculation and is happy to live with it.

Like Ms Ferraro stood up firmly in her belief that a negro man could only rise like Obama did through affirmative action.

BTW, Oprah, I want my face on your magazine cover. I agree with those who find it disgusting.

[rektruax]

Wow... Huff has something remotely negative to say about an Obama supporter. A day to mark in the calendar.

Or not.

[MelCraig]

~

That's right.

The all-Obama, all-the-time, clubhouse.

~

[marymansour]

So why do you read Huff? Huh?

[Cyndee1113]

So what is your point?

[messstower]

She is so relevant still because she is about the only star that went from Name recognition to First name recognition to Simply the letter O.

She is still clocking dollars Lady O is the LEAST of this Country or my worry! WISH I HAD 1/8 of her dough. Her lowest rating is still 23% higher than any other Show on the boob tube--So what does that tell You?

[OpusIsUnderTheBed]

This whole site is shifting from a meaningful site, to comment or provide information on politics and current affairs...­..........­....to a chat room. Get a life.

[Witchitalineman]

Could it be saturation point has been reached?

[wutzhappn]

It could be that America has grown weary of Oprah's endorsements. First Doctor Phil, that overrated pop psychologist who exploits pop stars in rehab. Then James Frey, the pseudo autobiography author who lied his way to the top of the bestsellers list. And now, Barack Obama, "The Brilliant." People resent Oprah tellingl them how to vote, especially when she won't come forward and ADMIT why she left Jeremiah Wright's church... C'mon Oprah. You're the truthseeker. Tell us the truth about Trinity of Chicago.

[jadez]

curious that the same people that dont like (a black man) Obama, dont like (a black woman) Oprah.

you racists are a sorry azz bunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sparkandy]

It probably has a lot less to do with politics and a lot more to do with finances. People can't afford her silly magazine any more. They're not watching her show because they're working two jobs. And she's just not relevant to people who are struggling to make ends meet.

[SOOKOOYAH GURL]

Actually Oprah is very relevant. Her show is extremely informative. Dr. Oz is the best. Watching him has saved me tons in medical bills.

Thankls Oprah!!

[DAVESEAN]

THE MSM HAS BEEN TRYINGTO POSIT THAT ENDORSING OBAMA AFFECTED HER RATINGS....GIVE ME A BREAK.........IS OBAMA NOW A TIME BOMB..HER SHOW IS STILL NO.1 AND WILL BE FOR A LONG TIME.......THEY SHOULD LOOK FOR A NEW STORY.......MSM ENDORSES BUSH EVERYDAY,HAS THAT AFFECTED THEIR RATINGS....RUBBISH

[VivaZapata]

she seems like a good person, but why did she stick us with Dr. Phil, the psychiatric sensationalist? Rachael Ray, on the other hand, makes up for that mistake, somewhat.

[VivaZapata]

time to give away some cars: i hear there's a fire sale on SUVs she might want to pick up on.

[jadez]

envy is not good for you.

makes you bitter and angry.

[nodonjuan]

Can you say, Overexposed? She's on every cover of O, her show is shown again late night in the LA market, then she has a prime time show as well. I have always liked her but, I have Oprah fatigue! It's been coming on a lot longer than she's endorsed anyone.

[kas70]

She's been the queen for 22 years and she will be fine.