Winfrey syndication decision sought

CHICAGO, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. TV industry officials are anxiously awaiting a decision from talk show host Oprah Winfrey on the syndication of her series, executives said.

Variety.com said Friday that Winfrey's syndication deals with TV stations and CBS Television Distribution expiring in fall 2011 and the popular talk show host has not made a final decision on continuing "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

"TV stations are saying, 'What's happening? We need to know the plan,'" an unidentified executive said, Variety reported. "But Oprah's reticent to make decisions until she's forced to. She waits until the last moment."

Another executive, who also was not identified, said if Winfrey does decide to continue her daytime series, TV stations will likely seek discounted rates due to the show's decreased ratings and the stations' financial losses.

"Stations have made it clear to Harpo (Winfrey's production company) that if she does come back, they'll significantly reduce the license fee they pay," the executive told Variety. "Station revenues are down 40 percent to 50 percent, but they're paying license fees projected on revenue remaining the same."