Oprah Winfrey Joins ’60 Minutes’ as Special Contributor

Jan. 31 (UPI) — Oprah Winfrey will be joining long-running CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes this fall as a special contributor.

“I’ve been a big admirer of 60 Minutes since my days as a young reporter,” the television entrepreneur said in a statement Tuesday.

“I’m so excited and proud to join forces with this historic news program, which for me represents the bastion of journalistic storytelling. At a time when people are so divided, my intention is to bring relevant insight and perspective, to look at what separates us, and help facilitate real conversations between people from different backgrounds,” she continued.

“She has achieved excellence in everything she has touched. Her body of work is extraordinary, including thousands of interviews with people from all walks of life,” added 60 Minutes executive producer Jeff Fager.

“She is a remarkable and talented woman with a level of integrity that sets her apart and makes her a perfect fit for 60 Minutes. I am thrilled that she will be bringing her unique and powerful voice to our broadcast.”

Winfrey has a longstanding relationship with CBS after the network purchased King World Productions in 1999, the company that launched the 63-year-olds legendary daytime talkshow. As part of the deal, Winfrey gained control of one-half percentage of CBS stock.

Winfrey is also an executive producer for CBS’ syndicated Dr. Phil program.

Details surrounding Winfrey’s role on 60 Minutes was not released however it is expected that will partake in one-one interviews as she has done throughout her career.