Jan 15, 2008 5:06 pm US/Central
Next On Oprah's List: Her Own Network
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
There's something new Tuesday for the woman who seems to have everything. The "Queen of Talk," Oprah Winfrey, announced she's getting her own television network. CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports on Oprah's new deal with Discovery Communications.
After 22 years of being ruled by ratings, Oprah Winfrey says she's thrilled to finally be launching her own television network. Winfrey says it's a dream more than 15 years in the making.
"This is an evolution of what I've been able to do everyday," Winfrey said in a phone interview. "I will now have the opportunity to that 24 hours a day on a platform that goes on forever."
The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) won't debut until 2009, but Winfrey who will serve as chairman of the channel, already has plans for OWN's programming.
"This is an opportunity for me to really step out of the box, and be able to do on a regular basis, the kind of shows that make my heart sing, the kind of shows that literally inspire people," she said.
Some of Winfrey's Chicago fans say if anyone can pull that off, it's her and they're looking forward to a 24-hour source of inspiration.
"Her ideas and her platform is very diverse, but she's got a good heart, and she's honest," said Oprah fan Judy Swager.
"I like Oprah, and I like the things that she do, and I like how she tries to help out the teens and everything," said fan Sandra Taylor.
"I think it's exciting. I think anything she sets out that she wants to do, she's going to be successful. There's absolutely no doubt about it," added fan Carol Wright.
Winfrey hinted Tuesday the creation of the network and her responsibilities as chairman could mean the end of her daily "Oprah Winfrey Show," but she hasn't made that decision yet. Right now, as it stands, the show is set to run through May of 2011, but Winfrey says she could get out of the deal as early as 2010.
Winfrey hinted Tuesday the creation of the network and her responsibilities as chairman could mean the end of her daily "Oprah Winfrey Show," but she hasn't made that decision yet. Right now, as it stands, the show is set to run through May of 2011, but Winfrey says she could get out of the deal as early as 2010.
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