Media Biography

Introduction

The sphere of media is global and well developed including television, radio, magazine, newspapers, movies, the Internet and even video games. Media has become an integral part of routine and working lives of people. It provides million working places and gives employees a chance to develop their creativity, show unique skills, and build the prominent career. These days, women have come out to establish themselves as outstanding stakeholders in the industry (Russell, 2013). The main aim of this essay is to identify any obstacles, goals or other points that indicate tension between the media industry and individual goals of a prominent female media personality.

Oprah Gail Winfrey

The rural town of Kosciusko, Mississippi, is famous for being a native town of the announcer Oprah Winfrey. She was born on January 29, 1954. Oprah’s adolescence was full of misery and troubles. She has experienced sexual abuse constantly from her close male relatives and friends of her mother. Later she moved to her father and joined Tennessee state university, in 1971. Oprah started working at the Nashville radio and television broadcasting station.

Oprah and the Media

Oprah moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she hosted a TV chat show “People are talking”, in 1976. She announced the show for eight years and made it a hit of media sphere. She was later recruited to host her own show. Oprah managed to show her professionalism and overcome considerable competition. She launched the famous Oprah Winfrey Show, in 1986, in a syndicated program. It was aired on many channels. The show was popular considering the wide audience that found time to watch Oprah and listen to her stories.

At the same time, she took ownership of the program from ABC and drew it under her own production company. This has brought a lot of money to her new syndicate. In 1999, Oprah co-founded Oxygen Media, a company that is dedicated to producing cable and internet programming for women. Later she developed the Oprah Winfrey Magazine, in 2000. She ended her contract with ABC network, in 2009, which used to air the show. This step was taken so that she could establish her own network, known as Oprah Winfrey network, which is a joint venture with discovery communications. She has also involved in activism and child rights defense among the famous philanthropists in the world.

Challenges Facing Oprah Winfrey

Oprah’s public image, reputation, concerns for her duty are some of her most worries. She understands the need for hard work and planning, patience, and self-discipline are beneficial towards achieving one’s goal and success. However, Oprah is believed to be hard on her and highly judgmental if she fails to attain her goals (Illouz, 2003). Oprah is too defensive against being deceived and used by others, even though her intentions may be good. When she fails to attain her goals, she becomes bitter and cynical towards the world. She is not adaptive and turns to be rebellious when faced by an oppressive situation. However, Oprah tends to retreat and become overwhelmed with feelings.

Conclusion

Majority of women in most industries faces many challenges. These challenges range from establishing themselves in their careers, emotional challenges, and the perception of people who carry them. Oprah Winfrey had the troublesome childhood. However, she managed to overcome all obstacles on the way to build the successful and prominent career. According to believes and principals of this brave and charismatic woman, determination, self-discipline, and respect are some of the virtues needed to get success and respect of others.