Oprah's exit opens new doors

OWN and "Ellen" poised to reap benefits

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey's blockbuster announcement last week that she plans to end her syndicated talkshow in 2011 wasn’t a complete surprise. But the end of “Oprah Winfrey” after 25 years makes for a host of winners and losers in the local TV, syndication, cable, satellite radio and even marketing and publishing realms.

Here's a roundup of who's likely licking their wounds -- and who's chomping at the bit:

OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. This is what Discovery topper David Zaslav had been hoping for, the exclusive output from Winfrey as part of their new joint venture. OWN, set to launch in January 2011, will not only feature 25 years' worth of "Oprah Winfrey Show" archives, but the host herself will appear regularly (although it's unclear in what capacity).

Non-ABC stations in top markets. "Oprah" provided the ABC stations a huge ratings boost, particularly as an early news lead-in, for years. Now, CBS and NBC stations in many markets may finally see an opening.

ABC-owned stations. They've got a big feat trying to find a suitable timeslot replacement for "Oprah." Some believe ABC may go with local news; others see "Ellen" as a viable option.

Authors, celebrities and public figures. Just ask Whitney Houston, Sarah Palin or any author who landed on Oprah's book club. Winfrey's viewers are still a powerful army. And that just won't be duplicated on cable.