Oprah Winfrey will use Silver Spring-based Discovery Communications as the platform for her own television network beginning in 2009.
The network will be known as “OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network” and replace the existing Discovery Health Channel with entirely new programming.
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“The focus is going to be in quality content that really connects with people,” said David Zaslav, CEO of Discovery Communications, during a teleconference Tuesday.
According to Winfrey, programming for the network will focus on issues such as money, weight loss, health, relationships and spirituality, though no specific programs have been set.
The deal is cash-neutral, and the network will be co-owned by Discovery and Winfrey’s Harpo Productions.
Winfrey will serve as chairman of the board and retain editorial control over the network’s content.
She will lead a search for a CEO for the network immediately.
“I will be involved with every single element of programming,” she said.
“The Oprah Winfrey Show” will remain on network television for the duration of its contract in 2011, after which it may end or find a new home on the OWN network, Winfrey said.
Robert Smith, CEO of Championship Media Worldwide, said the Oprah deal puts her in the league with other media icons such as Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch.
“Her branding is going throughthe roof,” Smith said. “This opens up a whole new world.”
Additionally, Discovery is boosted without having to invest further in cultivating its own brand, Smith said.
The network will premiere to an audience of 70 million homes, according to Zaslav.
Winfrey has done a number of deals outside her television show, from O magazine to the channel Oprah Winfrey and Friends on XM Satellite Radio.
