Brace Yourselves: Oprah Has Become Richer

 

Oprah. Oprah. Oprah. This woman doesn’t quit. Just when you think she’s done being fabulous, she surprises you again. Oprah’s network, OWN was not making money for a long time. I don’t remember where I watched it exactly, but I remember seeing an interview with Oprah where she talked about the reason why OWN was struggling. She said it was because she had made the classic mistake that business people make: she didn’t do enough research about the industry they’re going into. I’m paraphrasing.

While Verastic may not be investing yet, I have tucked Oprah’s words into a corner of my brain where all business tips go to. That said, OWN is now making money. And this is a big deal, not just because it’s a network that is now profitable, but because it’s O-freaking-prah. Whatever Oprah touches turns to gold, so when Oprah’s network wasn’t making money, people didn’t really know how to deal with it.

Here’s how Forbes is reporting it: Even among a rarefied group like the Forbes 400, Oprah Winfrey is in a class of her own. She’s one of only seven self-made female billionaires on this year’s rich list — that is, women who made their fortune without an inheritance.

Of those seven, four partnered with their (late) husbands. Winfrey is one of just three who built her fortune without the help of a man. The media queen is also the only African-American among the 400 wealthiest people in the country.

OWN’s recent success has been due in part to a string of exclusive TV interviews with headline-grabbers like disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, R&B party girl Rihanna and out gay NBA player, Jason Collins.

The network’s original series have also proved popular, scoring OWN its highest ratings in its short history this August. Overall viewership was up 64% year-on-year according to Nielsen, with the number of African-American women viewers aged 25 to 54 up a staggering 167% since the third quarter of 2012.

As her fortune increases, Winfrey continues to give her money away, mostly supporting educational causes like the $100 million Oprah WinfreyLeadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

************************************************************************

$200,000,000 in one year? My mind cannot even comprehend that amount of money (yet). Well, here’s raising my imaginary glass to one day – VERY SOON – being able to comprehend, own, and even give away such an amount of money.

P.S. It is very admirable that Oprah gives away so much of her money. God bless her.

P.P.S. But how can one person make an extra 200 million in a year? I get excited when I make $50 extra, and someone else is making 200 million?? Is that even legal?