OWN to Launch in Canada in March 2011

TORONTO: Corus Entertainment has announced a March 1, 2011, Canadian launch for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, which will debut in the U.S. on January 1.

Prior to the launch, W Network and VIVA will air blocks of OWN programming, throughout January and February, to serve as a preview of what will be on the new network. The channel will officially launch on March 1 to more than 6 million Canadian homes on what is currently VIVA.

“There’s a great deal of excitement about the upcoming March 1 launch of the Oprah Winfrey Network in Canada,” said Susan Schaefer, the VP and head of networks and marketing at Corus Entertainment. “Oprah has an extensive, engaged community of Canadian women who really trust and are loyal to her brand. With 50 percent 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.”