Fuel

Andrew Huff / November 6, 2009 9:42 AM

For the record, an Oprah spokesperson has denied the rumor. But what if she did leave?

jj / November 6, 2009 11:34 AM

I wish that Oprah would stay, and here's why - she's one of the richest and most powerful women in America. If she brought all of her businesses to Chicago, it would create a lot of jobs and economic opportunity for people in our city looking for work. So instead of moving away, she should move all of her interests (O Magazine, the radio station, whatever else is going on in NY or LA) to Chicago!

BG / November 6, 2009 12:22 PM

Oprah who?

Mucky Fingers / November 6, 2009 12:43 PM

Harpo Productions generate many jobs and tax revenue in our city. Her show is a hub of the city's television industry. She is probably a tourist magnet as well. I hope she stays simply for the economic benefits.

If you hate Oprah, wishing that she would leave Chicago won't make a difference. The cult of Oprah will follow her to Los Angeles or wherever else she wants to go.

Carlotta / November 6, 2009 1:00 PM

Anyone know (1) if she got TIF money for building her studio and (2) how long the studio has been here? The point being, if she did benefit from a TIF did the business stick around long enough to justify the expenditure.

flange / November 6, 2009 2:35 PM

i think it smacks of a huge wad of disrespect dripping down daley's face after he fawned over her during the michigan avenue shutdown.

i hope it's stinging his eyes.

as for jobs, springer took plenty to the east coast and few lamented that. fare thee well, oprah.

amy / November 6, 2009 4:19 PM

I am more excited about the new film production studio being built in the old Ryerson tull plant on the westside. Hopefully that will create some jobs and highlight the uniqueness of the city on the screen (and more artistically than Oprah's opening credits or staged Mich. Ave ploys). If Oprah/Harpo leaves, my only regret will be for the people who may lose their jobs and the negative economic impact. I imagine ladies from all over the country actually "vay-cay" in Chi just to see her show. They spend money (probably on Garrett's popcorn, Jersey Boys and the American Girl Place) but it's money nonetheless that helps defray the increasinly excessive cost of living here.