Following recent overseas expansions into the United Kingdom, Central and Eastern Europe, and Australia, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Discovery Networks International today announced the continued international expansion of OWN, with the launch of an exclusive OWN programming block in South Africa!
Slated to launch on October 17, the block will be exclusively available to DStv subscribers on TLC Entertainment, the new name for TLC in South Africa and 40 Sub-Saharan markets.
“Oprah couldn’t be more proud and honored to share her new television programs with South Africa,” said Erik Logan, President, OWN. “This an exciting milestone moment in our continued international expansion.”
“Oprah is truly a beloved figure around the world, but no more so than in South Africa,” said Luis Silberwasser, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer – DNI.
The rest of the story via press release from OWN follows:
In South Africa, the OWN block – programmed with popular series including OPRAH’S NEXT CHAPTER, OPRAH’S MASTER CLASS, OPRAH’S LIFECLASS, OPRAH BEHIND THE SCENES and SUPER SOUL SUNDAY – will be packaged in two weekly offerings. ‘My OWN Thursday’ will offer DStv viewers a line-up of the most talked-about primetime OWN hits, including OPRAH’S NEXT CHAPTER featuring high-profile interviews with today’s biggest celebrities including Beyoncé, Rihanna, LL Cool J and the family of the late Whitney Houston. On Sundays, SUPER SOUL SUNDAY presents a timely, thought-provoking and inspiring block of programming designed to help viewers awaken to their best selves and discover a deeper connection to the world around them.
TLC Entertainment will continue to offer fan-favorite series like CAKE BOSS, LONG ISLAND MEDIUM and HERE COMES HONEY BOO BOO, in addition to a hand-picked selection of the biggest hits from the OWN. Since 2012, TLC has been the #1 Lifestyle channel in South Africa with women 20-49 and in particular, among black women; and TLC was recently named Broadcaster of the Year at the 2013 SATCOM awards.
OWN content has performed particularly well on TLC, with OPRAH AND LANCE ARMSTRONG: THE WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE ranking #1 in its timeslot across all channels on DStv and as the highest-rated show across the Discovery portfolio in South Africa with a share of 7% with viewers 15+. In addition, THE OPRAH WINFREY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FOR GIRLS and OPRAH’S NEXT CHAPTER: JUSTIN BIEBER were both amongst the top 3 shows on TLC in 2012 with audiences 15+.
About the OWN programs:
OPRAH’S NEXT CHAPTER: Viewers join Oprah for in-depth, one-on-one interviews with some of today’s biggest newsmakers and celebrities including: Beyoncé, David Letterman, Drew Barrymore, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson and Kelsey Grammer.
OPRAH’S MASTER CLASS: Oprah uncovers the successes, failures and lessons of some of the most brilliant and famous people of our time, including Jay-Z, Simon Cowell, Diane Sawyer, Lorne Michaels, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Sidney Poitier, Dr. Maya Angelou – and even Oprah Winfrey herself.
OPRAH’S LIFECLASS: Taking the role of a teacher alongside handpicked experts, Oprah highlights the lessons and principles that guide her life.
SUPER SOUL SUNDAY: The multi-award winning series inspires viewers to become the best they can be and find a deep connection to the surrounding world. During this inspiring block of programming, Oprah sits down with top thinkers, visionaries and authors to discuss themes of happiness, spirituality and personal fulfillment. Notable guests include Elie Wiesel, Wayne Dyer, Gary Zukav, Debbie Ford, Marianne Williamson and Ram Dass.
OPRAH BEHIND THE SCENES: For the first and last time, The Oprah Winfrey Show opens its doors to invite viewers behind the scenes for the making of the farewell season. See what happens off-camera as the staff, guests and Oprah herself reveal a side the public has never seen of one of television’s most popular and enduring series.
