Oprah May Be Packing Bags for LA

Oprah Winfrey threw more wood on the fire Friday afternoon when she confirmed that she is moving forward with her OWN network.

She declined, however, to comment on whether that would mean that her megawatt show would relocate to Los Angeles.

"I am going to make that decision and make the announcement soon," Winfrey told CBS2.

Thursday TV gossip guru Nikki Finke dished on rumors that Oprah was planning to uproot her show from Chicago and move to L.A. so that her the daytime talkshow could be the centerpiece of the new joint venture between Harpo Studios and Discovery network.

The OWN network has been marred by delays and setbacks since it was announce two years ago.

Finke said Oprah was handed an ultimatum by Discovery Chief David Zaslav. He reportedly told her to “move it or lose it.” She subsequently decided not to renew her contract with ABC when it runs out in Fall 2011, Finke reported

Harpo Studios reps said no decision has been made.

But there are troubling signs that the news could be true. Harpo's Lisa Erspamer, a key player on the Oprah show, was recently named chief creative officer for the OWN network, according to Crains.

MORE FROM NBCCHICAGO.COM

NBCChicago.com Section Front

Rescued Puppies Get Airlifted Out of Midway   Oprah Heads to Washington for White House Special   Video: Mouse Startles Black Friday Shoppers   Giannoulias Releases Tax Returns   A Bloody Mystery at the Allerton Hotel NBCChicago.com Section Front   Add NBCChicago.com headlines to your news reader: