• Fortune, Thursday, February 16, 2006 10:46 AM

Former supermodel Tyra Banks--she retired from the business last year at the age of 32--may have created a successful new career for herself as a TV talk-show host.  According to the producers of the syndicated “Tyra Banks Show,” the program, now in its sophomore season, is the most popular of its kind among women ages 18-39.  So reports Andy Serwer, the peripatetic Fortune magazine writer with an interest in popular culture.  Serwer recently asked Banks if she is hoping to brand herself along the lines of an Oprah Winfrey or Martha Stewart.  Banks:  "These are the two women I admire most.  Their vision is clear and cohesive. Maybe one day I can be like that.  You have to keep that level of authenticity and not do anything that would cheapen your image from a product standpoint."  Asked if she involves herself in ad sales for her syndicated TV show, Banks says, "Yes.  I'll explain the concept of the show to an advertiser, and as far as certain products go, I'll tell them, 'I want you on this show.'" 

Read the whole story at Fortune »