March 9, 1999. Copyright 1999. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

JORDAN RATED TOP CELEBRITY

LONDON, March 9, Graphic News: BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR Michael Jordan has topped Forbes magazineÕs first-ever Forbes Celebrity 100 list, which ranks him as the highest paid and most ÔpowerfulÕ celebrity in the world.
The list awards a power ranking that measures both 1998 income and Ômedia buzzÕ Ð a combination of Internet, magazine, press, TV and radio prominence. Media buzz also measures future earnings power, the magazine said in its March 22 issue.
While comedian Jerry Seinfeld and collaborator Larry David earned $267 million and $242 million respectively from the $1.7 million syndication of their recently ended TV sitcom, it was recently retired Jordan who cashed in big time on his name recognition and turned his on-court prowess into $69 million in endorsement income.
He also registered more than 40,000 press clips, 777 Web mentions, 492 TV/radio mentions and seven magazine covers, according to the ranking. Seinfeld ranked fourth on the Forbes power list.
Buzz lifts talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey from forth highest celeb earner to No. 2 on the Celebrity 100 and teen heartthrob actor Leonardo DiCaprio takes third place despite being only No. 36 in the money rank.
Forbes cites Ôultimate hostessÕ Martha Stewart as a classic example of brand name power, ranking her No. 31. Stewart has her own multimedia company, a magazine, produces a TV show and radio show, writes a syndicated column and has a Web site that gets 3.7 million visitors a month.
Rap mogul Sean ÔPuffyÕ Combs, No. 19, is recognised by the magazine as a fast-rising star who is building a vast empire with hit records, a record label, a clothing line, restaurants and more.
Pro golfer Arnold Palmer, 69, who still pulls in endorsements, was No. 50 with $18.1 million, and former President George Bush finished Ð with $2.2 million Ð at No. 100.
/ENDS

Source: Reuters/Variety