Rosie ODonnell Plans New Talk Show

Former daytime TV host Rosie O'Donnell is charting a course to return to syndication with a political and issues-oriented talk show.

According to Variety.com, O'Donnell and her collaborators see an opportunity to fill a void when Oprah Winfrey steps down and moves to cable in 2011.

"O'Donnell has joined forces with former Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution execs Dick Robertson and Scott Carlin to form a new company and simultaneously launch a brand-new daytime yakker, several online sites reported over the weekend," reported Variety.com.

"According to insiders familiar with the project in the works, a new O'Donnell show would focus on the host's charitable and political pet causes. As a result, it isn't expected to emulate the original 'Rosie O'Donnell Show.'"

However, questions remain about the viability of a new O'Donnell program, especially given its political focus, her tumultuous departure from The View in 2007 and ABC's post-Winfrey plans.

"Aside from concerns over the focus of the new show, there's the question of whether those Winfrey slots are truly available," reports Variety.com. "ABC stations are expected to fill the Winfrey void with newscasts in some cases, and with pre-existing shows in other instances. Mark Burnett is also said to be eyeing those slots, in the event that Sarah Palin -- another polarizing public figure -- agrees to do a talker strip."

O'Donnell currently hosts a daily show for Sirius XM satellite radio.