From Rags To Riches: The Life And Times Of Oprah

Her Slow Climb Up The Ladder

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After nearly a decade of breaking down barriers in local news and television, Oprah relocated to Chicago on an invitation to host one of the lowest-rated morning talk shows, AM Chicago. Despite being low in the ratings, Oprah was determined to step out from the role as a co-anchor and be front and center on TV.

Her charisma and appeal skyrocketed the morning show within a few months. By 1984, the show had overtaken Donahue for the top spot. In a field that was dominated by white males, she became the first black female to find great success and a wide audience.