When Oprah tweeted this message to her 9 million followers, she didn't expect such strong criticism; she just wanted to promote her network.

However, as it turns out, the ratings agency considered the tweet a "potentially serious violation of its policy." Nielsen strives for objectivity in measuring what shows people watch. Trying to coerce viewers is not acceptable.

Reactions on Twitter varied: some were supportive, while others called Oprah's tweet "unethical" and "desperate." Because Nielsen was misspelled in her tweet, people questioned whether she was the writer, but her executive producer confirmed that she was.

In another tweet, Oprah apologized: 

She also told The New York Times, "I removed the tweet at the request of Nielsen. I intended no harm and apologize for the reference."

Discussion Starters:

• Do you consider Oprah's tweet to be an innocent mistake, a savvy marketing move, unethical, or something else?
• The OWN network has shown disappointing viewership, but what are better ways for Oprah to promote her network via social media?