Oprah Begs for Viewers on Twitter

Oprah Winfrey, the queen of daytime talk television has issued a public apology on Monday for sending a controversial tweet on Sunday night.

Oprah, aware that many viewers were tuned into CBS for the Grammy’s sent out a tweet to her public Twitter asking people to turn into her OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), “especially if you have a Nielsen box.”

Many of Oprah’s followers said that the talk show host sounded pathetic and desperate in her begging of people to tune into her new network. What people should have been outraged about was the part about those with Nielsen boxes tuning in.

Oprah’s Tweet said,

“Every 1 who can please turn to OWN especially if you have a Nielsen box.”

Oprah apologized for her tweet and said she deleted the message “at the request of Nielsen.” She added, “I intended no harm and apologize for the reference.”

Nielsen specifically prohibits those on the air to solicit viewers that are part of the Nielsen system. In all reality asking those with Nielsen boxes to switch to a certain channel is a blatant attempt to manipulate the ratings. rating play a huge part in how much a network can charge for advertisers.

Nielsen said in a statement,

“In accordance with our policies and procedures, Nielsen is reviewing this incident with our clients and we may withhold, breakout and/or make a note in the ratings…We take any violation of our policy seriously and will work with clients to resolve the situation,”

Oprah has taken a huge hit in the ratings since starting her OWN network. While once number one in every ratings category she is now slipping fast.

Do you think Oprah should be allowed to blatantly manipulate the ratings system like this or should she do more than just apologize?