Discovery Chief Predicts Oprah’s “OWN” Network Could Become A “Big Business”

Oprah, as you may have heard, has given away her last audience-load of new cars. Her next venture–the Oprah Winfrey Network, or OWN–debuts early next year.

Despite suggestions of executive turmoil at OWN and a report since shot down forcefully by the network that Oprah was negotiating with a top CBS executive to come aboard just weeks ahead of the launch, one top cable CEO says fear not: Oprah knows how to make good TV–and big money.

David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications–which is partnering with OWN–tells the Hollywood Reporter the new cable net has the potential to become a “big business:”

Zaslav reiterated that OWN may not immediately find its full voice, but will listen to viewer input to build it over time.

Discussing Winfrey’s involvement, he once again said “Oprah has had a great presence” preparing for the OWN launch. He also lauded her as “one of the rare talents that can generate talent,” pointing to the likes of Dr. Oz who will join her on the network.

OWN, which will replace the Discovery Health channel, is off to a strong start in the crucial area of advertising. Zaslav tells HR that “OWN is off to a running start thanks to a ‘strong’ upfront that yielded ‘meaningful’ ad rates and multi-year ad deals, Zaslav said. Up next, the company will focus on ‘pushing for subscriber fees.'”

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