• by January 16, 2001

Morning talker Regis Philbin has dethroned Oprah Winfrey as the "most bankable" star in syndicated television, according to an article in the January 15 issue of Electronic Media, the TV industry newspaper.

Philbin topped the list because of his powerful personal pull; ratings for his "Live with Regis" show have shot up 15% since the departure of co-host Kathie Lee Gifford.

Missing from this year's top 10 list were Rosie O'Donnell and Jerry Springer, both victims of fallen ratings. "Rosie has just gotten too political...instead of playing to the audience," one executive said. Commented another, "Jerry is fading fast."

Oprah Winfrey, who headed last year's list, finished a close second to Philbin. The newspaper said, "Rumors of her demise are greatly exaggerated," noting that she has extended her talk show contract through the 2004 season.

Five industry executives acted as judges for Electronic Media's Top 10 Most Bankable list. In addition to Philbin and Winfrey, they named former "Hercules" star Kevin Sorbo ("Gene Rodenberry's Andromeda"), third; Judge Judy Sheindlin, fourth; and rerun king Jerry Seinfeld, fifth. Completing the list were Pamela Anderson (6th), Pat Sajak (7th), Ray Romano (8th), wrestling's "The Rock" (9th) and perennial favorite Bart Simpson (10th).

Electronic Media's "Most Bankable" Stars

1. Regis Philbin ("Live with Regis," Buena Vista)

2. Oprah Winfrey ("The Oprah Winfrey Show," KingWorld)

3. Kevin Sorbo ("Gene Rodenberry's Andromeda," Tribune)

4. Judge Judy Sheindlin ("Judge Judy," Paramount)

5. Jerry Seinfeld ("Seinfeld," Columbia Tri-Star)

6. Pamela Anderson ("VIP," CTTD)

7. Pat Sajak ("Wheel of Fortune," KingWorld)

8. Ray Romano ("Everybody Loves Raymond," KingWorld)

9. The Rock ("WWF Jakked," "WWF Metal," WWF)

10. Bart Simpson ("The Simpsons," Twentieth Television)