CHICAGO (AP) — Oprah Winfrey's decision to take her show off the air after next season is another blow for Chicago.
The city in recent weeks lost its bid to hold the 2016 Olympics and was told by two trade shows they're going elsewhere. Now it has to contend with losing a show that focused worldwide attention on not only Winfrey but Chicago itself.
Marketing experts, business people, residents and visitors agree Winfrey brought a lot of prestige — and money — to the city in the 24 years she's been on the air.
Nowhere is that more clear in the immediately vicinity of Harpo Studios, where Winfrey helped transform a once rundown neighborhood into a gleaming enclave of pricey restaurants, upscale condominiums and trendy shops.
