Oprah Begs Viewers to Ditch Grammys For OWN, Nielsen Far From Pleased
Oprah Winfrey took to Twitter last night to ask Nielsen viewers to watch her cable network OWN instead of the Grammy Awards, a pathetic move that drew criticism from her OWN followers and the market research company alike.
“Every 1 who can please turn to OWN especially if u have a Nielsen box,” she tweeted Sunday at the start Oprah’s Next Chapter and the mega-rated Grammys.
She later added, “Commercial Grammy people... u can turn to OWN.”
The tweets caused a backlash on the social networking site, with some readers - fans of O, no less - accusing her of “begging for viewers” and being “desperate.”
Oprah followed up with a flurry of defensive replies that were apparently in response to reader criticism: “The word ‘please’ is used as courtesy not a beg."
"'Desperate’ not ever a part of my vocabulary" … "'Unethical' us a little harsh don’t u think? Seemed like it made sense to me. Sorry if you’re offended.”
The original tweet has since been deleted.
Networks are not allowed to specifically target Nielsen subscribers. Policy prohibits “attempts to single out panel members … to change their viewing habits.”
“In accordance with our policies, Nielsen is reviewing this with our clients and may withhold, breakout and/or make a note in the ratings,” a Nielsen rep told EW.
“We take any violation of our policy seriously.”
Given that 39.9 million people watched the 2012 Grammys, a more effective punishment might be simply releasing OWN’s miniscule ratings instead.
Oprah Winfrey has since released this statement: “I removed the tweet at the request of Nielsen. I intended no harm and apologize for the reference.”
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Rank: Z-Lister
February 14th, 2012 4:30 PM
What a bizarre thing to do. Cheating that is in on par with Kim Kardashian getting her followers to inadvertently vote for her brother on Dancing With the Stars by saying the phone number was to chat with Justin Bieber. Ms. Winfrey, who chose to end her popular show, doesn't seem to be able to cope with being out of the limelight. Disappointing, to say the least. Nielsen should definitely take steps on this matter.
February 14th, 2012 3:21 PM
Really Oprah? Really? You've got all of the money and now you want the power? I lost respect for Oprah a long time ago. She's a manipulator for her own gain. She might say that this is untrue but it's very true. Her sincerity is refined and polished. She's disrespectful to those on the opposite side of any position she holds which totally contradicts the "loving" nature she is always pushing into our laps. I don't trust her and I don't support her doing this with the Grammy's. It's one thing to be free to watch the Grammy's and maybe turn to her channel because they want to and it's another have that seed planted while she gives her agenda.
February 14th, 2012 11:36 AM
No one cares about her network shows. No one really cares about her anymore. I wouldn't watch her network if it was free!
February 14th, 2012 10:03 AM
I would say that until there is proof that it was her tweeting then take it with a grain of salt. I agree with some others here, that it doesn't seem like Oprah at all. If it IS then she has lost it.
February 14th, 2012 8:34 AM
Odd story. Doesn't seem like something she would do. Tweets dont sound like her either. I'm sure she didn't realize that this was frowned upon...:-)
Rank: D-Lister
February 13th, 2012 8:52 PM
My God, you people are such opportunists- if you were on her show and got a free car each, OPRAH would be GOD right?
So disgusting how ur tiny minds work and how you jump on the band wagon and over react over every tiny little thing...
February 13th, 2012 8:21 PM
My cable bill is high enough, will not pay to watch OWN, it isn't included in my package. Perhaps OWN should come down a level so people can watch her without paying extra $.
February 13th, 2012 4:51 PM
@ WV Peach,
Hello!! Glad to hear from you!!
I don't know what the happenings are at OWN, but after exploring my fact checking radar, Oprah's longtime friend Gayle King has jumped off the OWN ship to host The *CBS News program. She No longer is hosting The Gayle King Show on BFF Oprah Winfrey Network. The Grammy Awards were presented last Night on the *CBS Network. How ironic that Oprah has a reputation for being such a generous hostess, but yet she would dare to request that viewers would deny themselves the annual
Grammy Award Show when they can watch her Network of shows any time day or Night. Oprah secured viewer attention for 25 years, are we Not allowed to make up our ""own"" minds about what we want to watch without her suggesting that we continue watching her "doctored up" programming ??
February 13th, 2012 4:09 PM
I'm not a huge Opera fan, but does anyone else find something off with the Tweets? Somehow I can't picture a woman who funds schools and so strongly promotes reading would write such horribly awkward sentences and forget how to spell the word 'you'.
Rank: D-Lister
February 13th, 2012 4:06 PM
LOL @ Leo! I find this "new" Oprah very defensive and condescending. I tried watching her documentary about Hasidic Jews, but turned the station when Oprah proclaimed to the Orthodox mother that the term "Aha Moment" was coined by her. She then said that she had a television show and a magazine named after herself. Really Oprah? I'm done with you. BTW, the OWN really stinks. I shall not watch again.