Oprah Winfrey launches her OWN cable network
NEW YORK — Oprah Winfrey's network has begun not with a bang but with redeclared purpose by the Queen of Daytime for her much-anticipated cable-channel venture.
The Oprah Winfrey Network, or OWN for short, launched Saturday at noon EST with a one-hour preview special hosted by Winfrey. She provided a hearty wrap-up of the live-your-best-life fare she will curate across the network's schedule.
A joint venture between Harpo Inc. and Discovery Communication, OWN is replacing the Discovery Health network. OWN will initially be available in more than 80 million homes.
The startup cost for the network, which was originally announced three years ago, has ballooned to a reported $189 million.
In June, Winfrey ends her wildly successful weekday syndicated show after 25 years.