Oprah Winfrey is now the fifth woman ever to become a member of the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame.
Oprah came to interview with Dennis Swanson for “A.M. Chicago” on WLS in 1983. One month later, her show debuted and dominated the network. That show, which later became known all over the world as the Oprah Winfrey Show, will end later this month after an iconic 25-year run.
“I am what I am because I had the good sense to move to Chicago,” Oprah said. “None of this would have happened had he [Swanson] not had the courage and vision that Labor Day weekend in 1983.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to have this great, marvelous platform for the Oprah Winfrey Show, for what I consider to be the greatest city in the world — Chicago. So, thank you for this.”
Film critic Roger Ebert was among those who honored the talk show queen at the public, ticketed event held at the posh Palmer House Hilton. Other famous inductees include Paul Harvey, Hugh Downs and Charles Gibson.
Association president and CEO Dennis Lyle called Winfrey “the epitome of broadcasting excellence.”
“Understanding that thread of commonality has been the source of my success, of my empathy, of my ability to communicate and connect,” Winfrey said.
Oprah’s honor was bittersweet, as she will be leaving Chicago for Los Angeles to focus on her new venture, the OWN Network.
“On my way to the audition, just loving the vibe of the city so much, I felt that if I don’t get the job, I’ve gotta find a way to get back here,” Winfrey said.
Oprah Winfrey will be missed, and many Chicagoans would like to see her make her way back here again. –zondra hughes
