> One of Oprah Winfrey's most trusted aides is headed west to serve as chief
> creative officer for OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network -- a move that's raising
> questions about whether Winfrey is planning to give up her syndicated daytime
> talkshow.

> Lisa Erspamer, currently co-executive producer of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," will
> move from Chicago to Los Angeles in January for her new gig. Reporting to OWN
> chief executive officer Christina Norman, Erspamer will be charged with bringing
> "an injection of Oprah's DNA into OWN," Norman said.

> But already, industry insiders are wondering if Erspamer's move could be an
> early hint of Winfrey's OWN next career move.

> The talk queen has said she'll decide by year's end whether to continue her
> syndicated talk show beyond next season, when her deal with CBS expires.

> But Erspamer is known to be one of Winfrey's most trusted producers. Shifting
> her to Los Angeles could be seen as a sign that Winfrey is getting ready to wind
> down her syndicated show -- and possibly shift her TV output to OWN.

> Executives at Winfrey's OWN partner, Discovery Communications, have gotten into
> trouble for hinting that Winfrey might be close to giving up daytime for cable.
> But their remarks have led to speculation that Winfrey's long-term game plan is
> to put most of her TV energies -- including any type of regular Winfrey-hosted
> show -- into OWN.

> Until Winfrey speaks, of course, this is mostly just rumor and supposition.
> Because she's not based in Hollywood, and since she keeps a very tight circle of
> advisers, it's difficult to find out just what Winfrey's plans are until she
> announces them.

> Meanwhile, what is known is that Erspamer will serve as Winfrey's eyes and ears
> at OWN, but without any extensive portfolio. She will not have any direct
> reports.

> Instead, it's expected she'll be a creative guru for the channel, helping to
> bring Winfrey's vision to L.A. Another Oprah confidante, best bud Gayle King,
> serves a similar role at O: The Oprah Winfrey Magazine.

> “Lisa has been a creative superstar," Winfrey said. "She’s brought fire and
> force to many of the incredible shows we’ve done over the years. I value her
> passion and sensibilities and trust her instincts and judgment. I know she’ll be
> a great fit with the OWN team."

> Erspamer has been at Harpo for more than 15 years and was elevated to her
> current post in 2006.

> Today's announcement comes a few weeks after TheWrap broke the news that
> Discovery vet Debbie Myers was joining OWN as interim general manager.