Is Judge Judy the New Oprah?

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
She might not have the media empire or the political clout, but Judge Judith Sheindlin, the obstreperous host judge of the syndicated courtroom reality show Judge Judy, has trounced Oprah Winfrey in daytime television ratings for the sixth week in a row.
For the week ending April 25, “Judge Judy” averaged just over 6 million viewers and placed fourth in the rankings, two spots ahead of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.
The Brookyn-born Sheindlin (née Blum), who was ranked 13th on Forbes magazine’s top 20 richest women entertainers in 2007, will continue “Judge Judy” at least through 2013, the show’s 17th season.
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
