We suggest that you upgrade to the latest version of any of the following browsers:
close notification
Oprah stripped of executive powers at her TV network?
| DATE: 06 June 2012 |
Send to Friend
Print
2 Comments
|
|
| BY: Bernice Maune |
Company allegedly removes Oprah’s executive status as claims of wasted millions come to light.
Oprah Winfrey will only retain her title of CEO of Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) after Discovery Communications, a joint owner of OWN TV network, reportedly effectively stripped her of executive powers.
National Enquirer reports that Winfrey was called into a board meeting and told that she would no longer make influential decisions concerning the TV network. Discovery Communications funds the network extensively and it is said they were no longer pleased with Winfrey’s executive decisions.
An unnamed source told Enquirer that Winfrey’s situation was equivalent to Donald Trump telling one of his Apprentice contestants "You’re fired!" The source reveals the network was struggling to keep afloat financially as hundreds of millions had been wasted on fruitless expenditure.
Discovery Communications' decision was apparently made to save the network further embarrassment and financial failure. “They now realise that Oprah was too inexperienced to run the network. So she was stripped of her power. She’s no longer in a position to make executive decisions or hire staff without consulting top Discovery executives first.
“For Oprah, this is a bitter personal failure and a devastating blow to her ego. The unexpected demotion has sent her into an emotional tailspin so severe that friends are deeply concerned for her. They fear it could trigger one of her drinking and eating binges.
“She was completely humiliated by the decision to have her step down. She’s been in tears ever since. Her closest friends, including BFF Gayle King, are rallying to give her support during what she’s calling ‘one of the lowest points’ of her life. But Oprah’s emotional condition continues to deteriorate,” said the source.
According to the Enquirer, Winfrey has been working hard to boost ratings. She has apparently launched a new talk show, hired new executives and added new programmes to the network. However, this was not enough to convince management otherwise as the network has lost over $330 million (about R2,8 billion). Additionally, Winfrey axed 30 staff members and cancelled a scheduled talk show by Rosie O’Donnell.
Source: National Enquirer
