Yesterday, we walked down memory lane thinking about how Oprah changed the face of television in the mid 80s with her national debut. Now, we also remember when Oprah shifted her focus to "Change Your Life" television...and she changed the face of daytime tv.
During the late 90s, as Jerry Springer was inching closer and closer to her in the ratings, Oprah Winfrey announced to her audience that she was moving in a different direction. With "Change Your Life Television" it was about using tv as a platform to give viewers tools to lead better lives.
Before Oprah, who talked about being "authentic" and "vulnerable" as ways of life? Not many folks spoke about "teachable" moments or those "aha" moments either. She introduced us to Suze Orman, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and Iyanla Vanzant who each taught us how to get out of our own way, move forward, save ourselves, and wake up. And with her own touring Power Summits, she made it accessible.
As her show progressed, self-improvement went from being an inside-joke or only for those who could afford therapy, to something achievable to all of us. And Oprah....we thank you.
Who's ready for Part 2 of the SURPRISE, OPRAH! shows today??
Source: http://theybf.com/2011/05/24/what-we-love-about-oprah-ii-1996-2006
