Oprah's Harpo Productions Starts New TV Development Group

Harpo Productions, the media company owned by billionaire talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, is starting a new television development group that will seek out series projects for syndicated, network, cable and digital outlets.

The new group will be headed by Ellen Rakieten, who has been the executive producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show for the past three seasons, and Harriet Seitler, former director of creative services and program development, who has worked on the show since 1995.

"I believe the creation of our development group is one of the most significant moments in Harpo's history and will be instrumental to our future," Winfrey said in a statement. "We're committed to using our show platform to help develop additional projects and talent that will extend beyond The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Sheri Salata was named the new executive producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Lisa Erspamer was promoted to co-executive producer. Both previously served as supervising producers.

Harpo, working with Paramount and King World Productions, produces Dr. Phil and with Scripps Productions will roll out the Rachael Ray talk show in syndication.

Harpo Films, based in Los Angeles, will continue to be headed by Kate Forte. It produces motion pictures and telepics.