Oprah's Empire | Betting on Oprah | 1

This episode of Business Movers explores the early career of Oprah Winfrey, highlighting her determination and strategic decisions. It begins in 1986 as Oprah prepares to take her show national, flashing back to her troubled youth in Milwaukee and Nashville, including running away from home and early experiences with abuse and teen pregnancy. The narrative details her initial success in radio and television, leading to a co-hosting job in Baltimore, where she rivaled Phil Donahue in popularity. Oprah's move to Chicago to host AM Chicago marked a turning point, quickly dominating the local market. Securing syndication rights and a role in "The Color Purple" propelled her to national fame, culminating in the launch of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1986 and her rise to dethrone Phil Donahue as the queen of daytime television.