LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Iconic U.S. talk show host Oprah Winfrey tops this year's list of The Most Bankable Stars in Syndication due to her veritable franchise presence.
TVWeek.com reported that while Winfrey maintained her top spot on the list, other celebrities building media franchises garnered high spots on TelevisionWeek's 2007 edition, including culinary star Rachel Ray and model Tyra Banks.
Following directly behind were Dr. Phil McGraw, Judge Judy Sheindlin and "Live with Regis and Kelly" hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa. In fifth overall was Ray, whose culinary expertise has helped her build a TV food empire.
"Rachael's down-to-earth girl-next-door persona is loved by all," one of the panelists involved in the decision said. "Whether she's cooking a souffle in 30 minutes or talking with her guests, her engaging and relatable personality makes her irresistible to watch on screen."
Another TV host, Ellen DeGeneres, took sixth on the 2007 list and was followed by Banks, whose efforts on "The Tyra Banks Show" and "America's Next Top Model" helped her garner the spot.
