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The Business of Being Oprah

Oprah Winfrey has made a business out of her name, which has spread her into the ranks of queen of all media. From TV to books Oprah has made her $1.1 billion empire, and in the process has made others millionaires as well. Almost every book that she has recommended and placed under the coveted "Oprah`s Book Club" has made the author millions and put the book under most best seller list. But as with any business, Oprah knows the importance of keeping her clients, and in her case fans, happy and pleased with her work. This is why she has recently put down an author, James Frey.

Business analysts said that Oprah`s motive to bring the truth to light when embattled author James Frey appeared again on her show Thursday was also about protecting her brand. Oprah is the face behind her award-winning television show, a magazine, a production company and more. Oprah confronted Frey on Thursday, telling him she felt "duped" and chastised him and his publisher several times for not fact checking the book.

"She did it textbook correct in terms of how to handle crisis PR," said marketing strategist Laura Ries, president of Ries & Ries in Atlanta to the Associated Press. "It was honest, it was real, and it was just the right thing to do for her brand as well". Frey`s memoir "A Million Little Pieces" made The New York Times bestseller list after she selected it for her book club pick. The Smoking Gun was the Web site that had challenged facts in Frey`s book, which led to his admitted fabrications. Oprah had even called in to "Larry King Live" two weeks ago in defense of Frey, a call which she told her audience she regretted.