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Meet the Man Who Discovered Oprah

Aired on 01/27/2004 | CC tv-pg
In the early '70s, a young woman walked into radio station WVOL and asked John Heidelberg, one of the station's employees, whether the business would sponsor her in a March of Dimes walkathon. During their conversation, John noticed something unique about her personality.

"I'm thinking, 'This young lady is bubbling. I mean, just overflowing with talent. She would make an excellent newsperson,'" John said.

The woman who walked into his station that day was Oprah Winfrey. Watch as John, who now owns WVOL, and Oprah reunite on The Oprah Winfrey Show and look back on their fateful meeting.

Original airdate: January 27, 2004