Daley welcomes Oprah party on Michigan Avenue

Daley welcomes Oprah party on Michigan Avenue
Posted by Dan P. Blake at 11:40 a.m.
Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune
September 01, 2009
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/09/daley-welcomes-oprah-party-on-michigan-avenue.html


Mayor Richard Daley today said closing a three-block stretch of Michigan Avenue for two days next week for the Oprah Winfrey show will be a great public relations boost for the city.

Daley said the talk show host will reimburse the city for the costs of the show, which will shut down Michigan Avenue between Ohio Street and Wacker Drive from 12:01 a.m. Monday, Labor Day, until 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

"This is a great thing we're doing, I wish we could do this everyday in the city of Chicago," Daley said at an unrelated event this morning.
Daley said the taping of the Oprah show will help create jobs and bring worldwide publicity to the city.

"She's an icon for the industry. Take New York City, Los Angeles, take all of them for the filming industry. They do this everyday, unfortunately," Daley said.

Asked by reporters about the inconvenience to downtown motorists, Daley said it's worth it.

"I think they'll understand how important this is dealing with jobs, dealing with international exposure...this is a great opportunity," Daley said.

The event, a kickoff for the 24th season of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," will tape on Sept. 8 at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street and will be open to the public on a first come, first serve basis, according to show officials. Daley echoed the invite.

"It's filming, it's open to all ages," the mayor.

The list of guests has yet to be released, but the show will feature an appearance by the Black Eyed Peas. The episode is scheduled to air Sept. 10.