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XM Inks Oprah To A Major Deal
February 9, 2006 at 6:20 AM (PT)
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XM SATELLITE RADIO inks a deal with HARPO RADIO, INC. to bring OPRAH WINFREY to radio on a new "OPRAH AND FRIENDS" channel. The exclusive deal is for three years and $55 million and will include a weekly "reality show" with OPRAH and GAYLE KING as well as original segments from KING, NATE BERKUS, Dr. BOB GREENE, Dr. MEHMET OZ, Dr. ROBIN SMITH, and MARIANNE WILLIAMSON. The programming will originate from a new state-of-the-art studio in CHICAGO near OPRAH's HARPO STUDIOS.
"Together with my friends, we look forward to creating programming that will entertain, inform and inspire our listening audience on XM," said OPRAH in a press release.
"OPRAH WINFREY is a prolific force in our culture whose unprecedented achievements in television, film, publishing and philanthropy will bring an amazing radio experience to the XM nation of subscribers," said XM PRes./CEO HUGH PANERO. "We are proud to welcome OPRAH and her talented team to the XM family. 'OPRAH AND FRIENDS' is a testament to XM's unwavering commitment to provide our diverse subscriber base with the kind of smart, high-quality programming that makes a difference in their lives."
"Today's announcement with XM marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of HARPO's media portfolio," said HARPO PRODUCTIONS Pres. TIM BENNET. "'OPRAH AND FRIENDS' will not only complement our existing television, print, film, cable and online properties but will provide new opportunities to extend our brand to XM's millions of listeners."

