Oprah’s Texas Trip Boosts Show Ratings

Though a jury Thursday dismissed a $12 million lawsuit filed against her by Texas cattlemen, Oprah Winfrey may never want to leave the Lone Star State.

Her daytime talker, which has been based in Amarillo since the trial began last month - the beef burghers alleged she slandered the cattle business during a 1996 episode of her show - has been on a ratings romp.

In fact, “Oprah” has set another season ratings high with each passing week in Texas.

Winfrey’s show generated its highest numbers this season for the week ending Feb. 15 (the most recent tally), according to Nielsen figures released yesterday. Her daily talker averaged an 8.6 rating (percentage of the nation’s 98 million TV homes), surpassing the 8.4 she averaged the previous week.

Before leaving for Texas, Winfrey’s high this season was an 8.1 rating, which she hit three times last November.

The upswing in ratings has come during an all-important sweeps month, the ratings for which will be used to set future advertising rates.