Tuned In

Oprah to Get Own TV Network

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So I know what you were thinking when you read that headline: Doesn’t Oprah already have her own TV network? Her own airline? Her own terraformed planet, to which Oprah, Gayle King and all Oprah-related enterprises will be relocated when the Earth becomes uninhabitable?

In fact, Oprah was one of several cofounders of the much-hyped, rather-less-watched Oxygen network, which was sold to NBC Universal last year. Now her production company Harpo is partnering with Discovery Communications to launch OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, in 2009. Says the Associated Press, the channel could be a showcase for Oprah’s roster of contributors, though not her talk show itself, which has a syndication deal through 2011. Says the press release:

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.

The network will take the place of what is now the Discovery Health channel. You do not need health! You need Oprah!