|
MUMBAI:
Discovery Communications has made a deal with Oprah Winfrey
to create OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, which at launch
in 2009 will replace Discovery Health distribution in 70 million
US homes.
Equally
co-owned by Discovery and Winfrey's Harpo Productions, Inc.,
OWN will be chaired by Winfrey. No cash is changing hands
to create the venture.
The
new multiplatform venture aims to "entertain, inform
and inspire people to live their best lives," according
to a joint announcement. In addition to the linear network,
the JV will also include the digital platform Oprah.com.
Winfrey
will have full editorial control over the JV and will be responsible
for OWN's programming, branding and creative vision. While
both organizations will contribute advertising sales services
to the venture, Discovery Communications will handle the distribution,
origination and other operational requirements for the proposed
venture. The search for a CEO to oversee day-to-day venture
operations will begin immediately, adds the official announcement.
"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," tvweek.com
quoted Winfrey as saying. "For me, the launch of OWN
is the evolution of the work I've been doing on television
all these years and a natural extension of my show."
"There
is no stronger voice than Oprah Winfrey in engaging, motivating
and connecting people to live healthier lives. Oprah has inspired
me personally, and through this new venture, Oprah's talent
and drive will have a dedicated multimedia platform to empower,
engage and connect with people on-air and online," said
Discovery Communications president-CEO David Zaslav.
|
