Roger Ebert convinced Oprah, during a date, to go into syndication. He also convinced Jerry Springer to do the opposite

Did you know that Roger Ebert convinced Oprah, during a date, to go into syndication. He also convinced Jerry Springer to do the opposite.

 

Ever since Oprah Winfrey revealed on her 20th anniversary program Monday that I was the person who first suggested she go into syndication, I have been flooded with requests for interviews.

 

Yes, it is true, I persuaded Oprah to become the most successful and famous woman in the world. I was also the person who suggested that Jerry Springer not go into syndication, for which I have received too little credit.

 

All of these years I have maintained a discreet silence about my role as Oprah’s adviser, but now that she has spilled the beans, the time is right to tell the whole story.

 

It begins early one morning in Baltimore, where Gene Siskel and I are scheduled to appear on a morning talk show hosted by a newcomer named Oprah Winfrey. The other guests on the show include a vegetarian chef, and four dwarfs dressed as chipmunks, who will sing “The Chipmunk Christmas Song” while dancing with Hula-Hoops.

Read more

Roger Ebert convinced Oprah, during a date, to go into syndication. He also convinced Jerry Springer to do the opposite