TORONTO – Oprah Winfrey’s new channel will debut in Canada on March 1, 2011, two months after its U.S. premiere, Corus confirmed Tuesday.
At an upfront presentation to advertisers and agency clients, Corus said that the pending arrival of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has generated “a great deal of excitement” in the Canadian marketplace.
“Oprah has an extensive, engaged community of Canadian women who really trust and are loyal to her brand”, said Susan Schaefer, VP, head of networks and marketing. “With 50% of women already aware of OWN before we’re out of the gate, we’re in a great position to build this into one of Canada’s premier brands; one that will truly resonate with audiences and be a great complement to our other Women’s services.”
OWN will launch in over six million Canadian homes on the channel currently known as VIVA. To promote the channel prior to the launch, W Network and VIVA will air a sampling of what OWN has to offer in nested blocks thoughout January and February.
