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Oprah Apologizes for Begging Nielsen Viewers to Tune into OWN

By Natalie Abrams | TV Guide – Mon, Feb 13, 2012 2:18 PM PST

Oprah Winfrey issued an apology on Monday for asking viewers with a Nielsen box to tune into OWN.

"Every1 who can please turn to OWN especially if u have a Nielsen box," she wrote via Twitter on Sunday, just as the Grammy Awards telecast began opposite Oprah's Next Chapter. She later added, "Commercial Grammy people..u can turn to OWN."

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After Twitter followers began to accuse her of begging, Winfrey went on the defensive, firing off several tweets implying that she is not desperate for viewers. "Unethical a little harsh don't u think? Seemed like it made sense to me. Sorry if u're offended," she wrote in response to the messages.

The original tweet mentioning Nielsen was later deleted, and with good reason. According to Deadline, networks sign agreements with Nielsen saying they won't openly solicit Nielsen box owners.

"I removed the tweet at the request of Nielsen," Winfrey said in a statement Monday, obtained by Entertainment Weekly. "I intended no harm and apologize for the reference."

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All Comments

13 comments

Irene • Los Angeles, California • 3 months ago
OPRAH is not one to follow, sorry people, but she may be rich! I wouldn't want to be her, she is not a happy person.
barbara S • 3 months ago
I just wish she'd take her gigantic ego and get lost.
Skin-walker • 3 months ago
One has to get ratings, even if you have to beg.
jbg • Doylestown, Pennsylvania • 3 months ago
Why doesnt she just pay us to watch her stupid network....$50,000 a peice should do it.
Pooky • Los Angeles, California • 3 months ago
how the heck do you get one of those boxes?
Tigger Too • 3 months ago
After the huge success of "Oprah" those many years, I guess Oprah Winfrey isn't used to being involved in a failing venture. Evidently, her new TV station, OWN, is getting abysmal ratings. To me, it's just another vehicle for her to pontificate to her viewers, giving people unsolicited advice on how to live, etc. I can't stand Oprah, and I'm glad I don't get her station with my cable TV service. OWN = Epic Fail.
Ronald • Salt Lake City, Utah • 3 months ago
Oprah has to realize that she's just a has been. Her ego won't let her admit that shes no longer anybody. She needs to take her obese butt home and watch Oprah re-runs.
Dig it • 3 months ago
Oprah, your officially a has been, so get used to it, enjoy your money and fade stage left.
DebraJ • San Francisco, California • 3 months ago
This is just silly anyone that has a new anything wants to promote it and gets excited.
kless • 3 months ago
I think its pure desperation! Lady get used to the fading lights!! Oh an true joy only comes from God
- laurie 3 months ago
  i dont shove my beliefs on you...so shut the f up.
Italia • 3 months ago
She has learn she does not have the public behind everything she does. The network she has started really has no chance.....
laurie • 3 months ago
she's truly pathetic
Ernest G • Joplin, Missouri • 3 months ago
Put on good programs and you will have viewers. It's just that simple. If you put on too good of a program it will get cancelled because 18 year olds are not watching it.