Dated 1-1-11, Oprah Winfrey, known as the host of the syndicated “The Oprah Winfrey Show” had launched her own cable network at last. After years of years in the planning and months of hype, the moment of launch on Saturday at 12 noon EST was already set.
During her show in the Oprah Winfrey Show, she offered a hearty overview of the live-your-best-life fare she will curate across the network’s schedule in the days ahead and further down the line. The strategy seemed that of a soft opening, aimed at whetting viewers’ appetites so they regularly come back and sample the network’s expanding menu of new shows as they roll out.
“I wanted to take the ideals of great television that we’ve established on the ‘Oprah’ show and bring them to you through a variety of new shows 24/7,” Winfrey said. “Every minute of this network has been hand-selected by me for you, the viewers.”
OWN initially will be available in more than 80 million homes. Originally announced three years ago, the venture’s start date had twice been delayed while its cost ballooned to a reported $189 million.
The Los Angeles-based OWN, a joint venture between Harpo Inc. and Discovery Communication, is replacing the Discovery Health network, which folded as a network on New Year’s Eve with the reality show “Dr. G: Medical Examiner.”
n her OWN preview special, Winfrey also touted “Master Cl(–foul word(s) removed–),” a series that will spotlight prominent people who include Diane Sawyer, Simon Cowell, Jay-Z and Condoleezza Rice. The show airs Sunday.
“In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman” provides counseling to couples to help them repair their sex lives. It airs Monday.
On “Your OWN Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star,” 10 contestants will compete to win a hosting job on an OWN show of his or her own creation. The finalists were chosen from more than 9,500 online audition videos and thousands more hopefuls at open casting calls. “Your OWN Show” premieres Friday.
“There are so many things happening here at OWN, and we’re just getting started. Every day, here’s what I’m hoping — that you will find something here to inspire you.” –Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey Network is now on air!
