OPRAH LAUNCHES HER OWN TV NETWORK

Talk show host and media mogul Oprah Winfrey has announced that she will be launching her own television network OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.

The new multi-platform media venture, with Discovery Communications, will be designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut in 2009 in more than 70 million homes.

“Fifteen years ago, I wrote in my journal that one day I would create a television network, as I always felt my show was just the beginning of what the future could hold,” said Oprah Winfrey, who will serve as chairman of OWN. “For me, the launch of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Network’ is the evolution of the work I’ve been doing on television all these years and a natural extension of my show.”

OWN’s mission is “to create multiple platforms for women, men and their families with a purpose and a passion: to celebrate life, to inspire and entertain, empowering viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, lift the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles.”

In addition to providing her talent, and personal commitment, Winfrey will have full editorial control over the joint venture and will be responsible for OWN’s programming, branding and creative vision.

Winfrey will serve as Chairman of The Oprah Winfrey Network, and the venture will be 50/50 owned by Discovery and Harpo (Winfrey’s production company).