Oprah earns £128m to lead TV earnings
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Oprah Winfrey, the most famous chat show host in the world, is the highest paid personality on television, earning four times that of her nearest rival, according to a list provided by the financial magazine Forbes.
The hugely popular, long-time presenter raked in $260m (£128m) between June 2006 and June 2007, according to the list.
Ms Winfrey, who recently hosted a fundraiser for the Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama, is a regular feature in Forbes and topped its list of the world's most powerful celebrities in June. With 30 million viewers per week, Oprah is easily the most popular show in the US.
Simon Cowell, the judge of American Idol, who crossed the Atlantic to abuse US singing hopefuls and boost his already handsome income, came third after the comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Next up is another long-running chat show host, David Letterman.
Below him are the businessman Donald Trump, who played boss in the American version of The Apprentice, and Jay Leno.
Down at 10th place is Keifer Sutherland, the Canadian actor who plays special agent Jack Bauer in 24, the sixth season of which is out on DVD in the UK on Monday.
Cowell, the only Brit on the list, is currently estimated to be worth more than £100m, according to The Sunday Times Rich List published in April.
The top 10
1. Oprah Winfrey ($260m)
2. Jerry Seinfeld ($60m)
3. Simon Cowell ($45m)
4. David Letterman ($40m)
5. Donald Trump ($32m)
6. Jay Leno ($32m)
7. Dr Phil McGraw ($30m)
8. 'Judge' Judy Sheindlin ($30m)
9. George Lopez ($26m)
10. Kiefer Sutherland ($22m)
June 2006-June 2007. Source: Forbes magazine
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments