Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Oprah Makes Safe Pick After Frey Affair
()
While we often find the Oprah's Book Club phenomenon to be akin to the American Idol business model in that it bumps book sales to unimaginable heights just at her mere choosing (that kind of power is a little creepy, no?), we were pleased to learn that this time around, Oprah has chosen an author unquestionably deserving.
In what seems to be a pointed attempt to banish all memory of the Frey affair, Oprah has selected Sidney Poitier’s The Measure of a Man as her first book selection since the messy Frey debacle. Smart choice. No matter what you think of Oprah, you cannot question the merits of Poitier. It is simply unimaginable. We believe this to be her new strategy.
The Measure of a Man includes Poitier’s look back on his celebrated life and career, including his role in making cinematic history through films like A Raisin in the Sun. While Poitier didn’t appear on Oprah’s show to thank her, Winfrey will be hosting a dinner for Poitier and select members of her book club. No word on when that dinner will be held, but we’re guessing Poitier won’t have the same reaction to being selected by Oprah as the ever-fascinating Jonathan Franzen.
Support for LAist comes from
We're pretty sure Poitier's book doesn't need any help from LAist in bumping sales. The Measure of a Man, published in 2000, lingered at an Amazon ranking of 288,958 pre-Oprah pick. Now? Top five. Our work here is done.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist