The "Oprah Effect" peaked a few years back; it's been a while since an on-air rave from Oprah Winfrey could turn an obscure novel or self-help tome into an overnight sensation.
As the New York Times noted this week, Glenn Beck -- of all people -- now seems to have the magic touch; his interviews with dozens of thriller novelists like Brad Thor have boosted sales among Beck's vast audience:
Said industry insider Sarah Weinman:
"Beck definitely has a line into what his viewers--especially the 800,000-odd people in the coveted 25-54 demographic--might be interested in reading. Chances are they are not avid book buyers, lucky to put a couple of hundred bucks' total into publishers' coffers. Beck's viewership also skews predominately towards white males, and at the risk of gross overgeneralization, fall into the stereotypical category of those who shy away from reading books outside their own gender (or ethnic and cultural worldview.)"
Beck's good news for publishing in another sense, of course: his own books are consistent #1 NYT bestsellers. Simon & Schuster's revenues increased 2% this year, thanks to Beck's Arguing With Idiots.
Meanwhile, Chris Ariens at MediaBistro pondered some news in another medium:
"With the news that Oprah Winfrey may take her daily talk show away from broadcast affiliates and to her own OWN cable network, that got us wondering: should Glenn Beck, now the #2 show on cable despite airing in he afternoons, be Oprah's syndicated replacement?"
Comments
I don't think Beck loses or gains weight with such regularity as Oprah. I personally ascribe Becks popularity with the presumption that he represents the everyman to most viewers. He simplifies the frustration of most people, with its feelings of out of control government. By most normal folks who are being beat up by it for monies to burn .
Course I am probably a moon shot off. But hey, in my ruminations, it explains some things like his attraction by the guy or gal in the street. He backs up what he Say's as well which most don't bother anymore.
JMO
what I like about Glenn Beck is that he is a magnet for the weakminded...it makes it easier to find them when they are grouped....we ought to use him as a psychological question.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, my client believes everything Glenn Beck says, therefore, it is proof possitive that my client should not be found guily by reason of insanity! The defense rests!"
walrus MUST watch him regularly since he seems to be so sure of what he types. Otherwise he must necessarily be lying.
My first thought was right on it is about time the conservative view took the front seat. Then I thought a bit about it and changed my mind. Look at the pickle we are in now because to many blindly followed Oprah and those like her without thinking. We do not need that at all. We need people to think for themselves and start making good informed decisions and get away from that lead me down the garden path mentality.
Glenn Beck Rules..
jeez, what is it with beck and all the facts he finds. too bad, facts always seem to get in the way when talkin with a liberal.
Well Walrus, I believe pretty much everything Beck says - and I am a helluva lot smarter than you! The fact is that he is a critical thinker and can make liberals and other leftie morons foam at the mouth - merely by using common sense and facts. He doesn't go 'over the top' as much as some folks would like to think either.
That guy would make a stellar replacement for Orca Winfrey.
Get Beck a decent timeslot and watch the ratings soar.
Brett says:
"Get Beck a decent timeslot and watch the ratings soar."
Jim says:
"Well Walrus, I believe pretty much everything Beck says - and I am a helluva lot smarter than you! The fact is that he is a critical thinker and can make liberals and other leftie morons foam at the mouth - merely by using common sense and facts. He doesn't go 'over the top' as much as some folks would like to think either.
That guy would make a stellar replacement for Orca Winfrey. "
building up an insanity defense, I see.
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