Oprah Promises Nonstop Inspiration With Her “OWN” Network's Launch

Oprah Winfrey may not have had fireworks when she quietly launched her new television network, OWN, on New Year's Day, but she promised round-the-clock inspiration as she broadcasted her goals on the television channel.

The network began with a one-hour preview special hosted by the daytime talk show Queen herself, giving a glimpse into the 24-hour lifestyle channel, AP reported.

"There are so many things happening here at OWN, and we're just getting started," Winfrey, 56, said at the end of her network preview special. "Every day, here's what I'm hoping: that you will find something here to inspire you."

This spring, Winfrey will end her historic daily talk show after 25 years. But in the beginning both the new network and "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will be strongly connected, as Oprah chronicles the ending on an era on day-time TV with a 25-part reality series behind the scenes of the show, according to its website.

Other programs include Oprah's "Master Class," which features interviews with celebrities like Jay-Z, Simon Cowell, Diane Sawyer, and Condoleezza Rice.

"In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman," premiering Monday, is a couples sex counseling program with the celeb therapist. Oprah will also be premiering her own talent search reality show in "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" on Friday.

The Los Angeles-based OWN is starting off the year in 80 million homes, AP reported. The network's launch date has been delayed twice because the cost had inflated to a reported $189 million.


"I wanted to take the ideals of great television that we've established on the "Oprah" show and bring them to you through a variety of new shows 24/7," said Winfrey, 56. "Every minute of this network has been hand selected by me for you, the viewers."

Selected Reading: OWN Official Website, AP

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