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Oprah Winfrey Network Names Schwartz President

Jun 18, 2008  •  Post A Comment

Ending months of speculation, Robin Schwartz, president of Regency Television, was named president of the new cable network being planned by Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications.
Ms. Schwartz, who starts her new job July 14, will lead all business functions for the network, including development, programming, production, marketing, research and communications. She will also work with Discovery’s ad sales and distribution staffs.
The new channel, called OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, is expected to launch in the second half of 2009 and will be paired with Oprah.com. The network will take over the 70 million homes that now receive Discovery Health Channel. OWN will be based in L.A.
Since the deal was announced in January, people have been wondering about how the new network would be staffed. A CEO is still to be named for the joint venture, as is a head for the Oprah.com Web site.
“I look forward to working with Robin to build a network that will celebrate the best in people,” said Oprah Winfrey, chairman of OWN, in a statement.
At Regency Television since 2004, Ms. Schwartz oversaw production of “Malcolm in the Middle” and “The Bernie Mac Show.” She also produced several new series, including “New Amsterdam” for Fox, a part owner of Regency Television, along with Regency Films.
Previously, she was VP of programming for ABC Family.
(Editor: Jensen. Updated 9:24 a.m., to clarify staffing.)

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