Oprah Winfrey extends deal with King World for her no. 1 TV talk show

Jet, April 4, 1994

Award-winning television talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey recently signed a deal with King World Productions Inc. to extend distribution of her top-rated talk show through the 1999-2000 television season.

In the latest agreement between Harpo, Ms. Winfrey's production company, and King World, Harpo has the option not to produce the show after the 1995-96 season.

However, the pact may also give Ms. Winfrey, who already controls one million shares of King World stock, up to 1.5 million additional options during the term of their agreement.

Ms. Winfrey said, "This season has proved that there are endless possibilities to entertain and empower people's lives through television. As long as we carry out that mission and the show remains fulfilling to me, I will continue to do "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Now in its eighth year, the ever-popular talk show has been rated number one in that television format since 1986.