Her OWN Woman: Oprah to Launch Cable Network

Oprah Winfrey’s ever-expanding empire will include her own cable network by 2009, “Access Hollywood” reported yesterday.

The talk show queen is teaming up with Discovery Networks to launch OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. But while ownership will be split evenly between the two parties , “Access” reports Oprah will control the channel’s editorial content as well its Web site. She’ll also serve as chairman of the network.

Natch.

“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,” the 53-year-old media mogul said in a press release. “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.”

OWN will launch with the lofty goal to “create multiple platforms for women, men and their families with the purpose and passion: to celebrate life, to inspire and entertain, empowering viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, life the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles.”

In other words, damn you, Martha Stewart!

But not to worry, Winfrey promises that her new all-inspiring network will not get in the way of her long-running, beloved talk show. She assured reporters she’ll honor her commitment on “The Oprah Winfrey show” at least through 2011. Sighs of relief all around.

(c) 2008 Boston Herald. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.