CHICAGO - The animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has named Oprah Winfrey its "Person of the Year."
PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said Friday that Winfrey has used her "powerful voice to defend those without one."
Norfolk, Va.-based PETA said the group will send Winfrey an award plaque and a letter of appreciation.
Winfrey's Chicago-based Harpo Productions said the talk show host is on hiatus and not available for comment.
Previous winners of the PETA award include U.S. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia in 2007 and the founders of the San Francisco-based cleaning product company Method in 2006.
