Is Tyra Banks the next big female brand like Oprah and Martha?

Tyra Banks graces the cover of the NY Times Magazine this Sunday, and the article talks about whether Tyra is the next big branded self like Oprah and Martha. So, what do you all think?

I give Tyra complete props for turning her modeling career into something far more substantial like becoming the creative source, an Executive Producer and star of not one but two TV shows, "America's Next Top Model" and The Trya Banks Show." It does take a whole lot of hard work and talent to pull this off, and the woman has earned her status. I do believe she is a rising media power, but today, not necessarily in the direction she would like us to think. I do believe she can make a shift though.

Tyra says that, "she thinks that she was put on this earth to instill self-esteem in young girls." However, let's take a look at the content of both shows. Both shows focus primarily on beauty and fashion, the outer package. At the same time she's telling girls to be independent and fierce, and then here's what to look for in a plastic surgeon and tips on becoming a super model.

Modeling is one of the biggest self-esteem killers out there, and all these issues with body image & eating disorders arise because these young girls are bombarded with images in the media of what is valued and desired which is an idolized, unattainable-for-most kind of beauty. Watching her show sometimes feels like the pretty model girl who made it on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is telling all the not-so-pretty girls that with enough hard work and tips they too can be pretty in their own special way.

It's contradictory to tell young girls that you're beautiful no matter what and then have a show about girls competing to be the prettiest for a modeling contract. You can't say love your body no matter what size and then declare the winner of your modeling show a plus size model at a size 10. There are way too many contradictions in the content and messages of both shows.

For me to consider Tyra in the brand footsteps of Martha and Oprah, she needs to start doing more stuff that shows young women how to build meaning versus beauty like this:

• I'd love to see Tyra ditch ANTM, and do a reality show for girls competing for a chance to become a businessperson, a future mogul, like Tyra. This type of show would definitely be a huge self esteem builder to young women because it goes way beyond beauty competing. Wouldn't you love to see a group of 19-25 year old girls sitting at a table with Martha Stewart sharing her tips on how to become a Martha Stewart. How fricking awesome would that be!

• On the Tyra Banks Show I'd like to see more segments about young women making a difference in their communities, going to foreign countries to see life outside of the US, and giving back (service).
  

• I'd like to see Tyra teach young women about financial Independence and their financial futures. Show young women how to stand on their own financial feet without mom & dad or a trust fund.

• How about more segments on how to buy your first house, your first car, or managing your credit history. So many people (men & women) are in credit card debt because no one ever really taught them about credit management.

• Have a Career planner as a regular guest like Dr. Oz is for health on Oprah. Have as guests more teen girls and young women who have already started building their empires at a young age like Ashley Qualls who became a self made millionaire by the age of 17 with her online business whateverlife.com. Ashley started her business when she was 14 with $8 to buy a domain name. Hell, this young woman inspires me!

So you see my point. Tyra has the building power and opportunity to make some very meaningful and significant impact in the media. I think she just needs to make some adjustments, and if she does, I can easily see her and respect her in the same league as O and Martha.