INTRODUCING THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

She can not be stopped. Oprah Winfrey has announced that she will launch her own television network through a 50-50 partnership with Discovery Communications to be titled the Oprah Winfrey Network, or OWN.


The channel, to be programmed entirely by Winfrey, will debut next year in place of the old Discovery Health channel and reach 70 million homes in the U.S. The network will also be simulcast in HD.


"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 Winfrey. "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."


While details of programs have yet to be decided, a mission statement for OWN expresses a desire 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."


Discovery Communications chief David Zaslav said programming will be in Winfrey's "own voice," and some of Winfrey's stable of regular contributors could be expected to be part of the programming.


"There is no stronger voice than Oprah Winfrey in engaging, motivating and connecting people to live healthier lives," said Zaslav. "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 on-line.

"At Discovery, our goals are to improve the quality of the networks while expanding the reach and success of our web presence. This venture does both, and having Oprah as Chairman and creative leader makes OWN a very unique property in a crowded media landscape."


The venture's cash-free transaction also involved Winfrey turning over her Web site Oprah.com to Discovery, while the communications company makes her chairman of the network.

Meanwhile, Oprah may have gained a network, but she lost her No. 1 position in Harris Poll's annual tally of favorite television personalities to Ellen DeGeneres, who jumped from No. 8 last year to knock Winfrey into second place.

Jay Leno, "House" star Hugh Laurie and comedian Jon Stewart rounded out the top five.