In January of 1984, Oprah Winfrey began hosting the Chicago talk show "AM Chicago." The show quickly gained in popularity, and in September of 1985, the show was renamed "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The show began to air nationally in 1986 and soon became the #1 talk show in national syndication. "The Oprah Winfrey Show" won three daytime Emmy Awards in 1987 and another in 1988.
"The Oprah Winfrey Show" originally followed the format of most talk shows airing during the 1980s. The major set-up involved individuals and families seeking advice or therapy for their private challenges. For instance, Oprah invited gay and transgender individuals on her show during a time when such topics were still considered taboo.
During the 1990s, Oprah Winfrey changed the format of the show, veering away from the tabloid format of most talk shows. Oprah broadened her show topics adding those about diseases in women, politics, spirituality and gift giving. In some episodes, Oprah interviewed people who had experienced miraculous or strange events.
"The Oprah Winfrey Show" studio is located on Washington Boulevard in Chicago, Illinois. The studio complex, named Harpo, is the only studio in the world that is owned by an African-American woman. Winfrey purchased the complex in 1988; she renovated it into a modern production facility.
One of the more widely known aspects of Oprah Winfrey and her show is her propensity for giving. On several shows, she has given audience members extravagant gifts, including new cars. Oprah Winfrey has also raised money and awareness for many other causes, including the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In 1998, she created the charity Oprah's Angel Network, which supports a variety of other non-profit organizations and charities. According to Perfectpeople.net, Oprah's Angel Network has raised over $51,000,000 for charitable programs.
People can experience "Oprah" as viewers in the audience or actual guests on the show. Oprah often interviews authors, vocal artists, actors and actresses and people who have done or experienced especially unique things. According to media coach Susan Harrow, individuals should take several steps when attempting to secure a guest spot on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." One of the steps include watching tapes of Oprah's previous shows to understand the current "hot topics." Harrow also recommends pitching a topic that is relevant to Oprah's typical audience and that is news worthy.
Individuals who want to be in the audience for a show usually must request tickets by phone. Reservations must be made through an audience department employee. Often, several calls must be made before securing tickets to a show due to the high demand for seats in the audience. The ticket request phone number is (312) 591-9222; however, the line is only open on certain days and times. Therefore, it is advisable to consult "The Oprah Winfrey Show" website prior to calling the reservation line.