"OPRAH & FRIENDS" RADIO CHANNEL TO LAUNCH ON XM CANADA New channel to feature diverse daily programming from popular "Oprah" personalities as well as original weekly reality radio program with Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King CNW Harpo Radio, Inc. and XM Canada today announced the launch of "Oprah & Friends," a satellite radio channel on XM. "Oprah & Friends" will debut in September 2006 and will feature a broad range of original programming from Harpo Radio, Inc., including regular segments hosted by popular personalities from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and O, The Oprah Magazine and an exclusive original weekly reality radio show with Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King. The channel will be broadcast from a new state-of-the-art XM studio at Harpo Studios in Chicago.
The "Oprah & Friends" channel will feature original daily programming on a variety of topics including nutrition, fitness, health, self improvement, home, and current events from popular "Oprah" personalities, including Bob Greene, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Robin Smith, Marianne Williamson, Nate Berkus, and Gayle King.
"Together with my friends, we look forward to creating programming that will entertain, inform and inspire our listening audience on XM," said Oprah Winfrey.
"We are honoured to have Oprah Winfrey, the world's most notable and inspirational entertainer and philanthropist, to join the XM Canada Satellite Radio family," said Stephen Tapp, president and COO of XM Canada. "We are beyond excited to share the premium programming of 'Oprah & Friends' with our Canadian listeners from coast to coast."
"Oprah Winfrey is a prolific force in our culture whose unprecedented achievements in television, film, publishing and philanthropy will bring an amazing radio experience to the XM nation of subscribers. We are proud to welcome Oprah and her talented team to the XM family," said Hugh Panero, President and Chief Executive Officer, XM Satellite Radio. "'Oprah & Friends' is a testament to XM's unwavering commitment to provide our diverse subscriber base with the kind of smart, high-quality programming that makes a difference in their lives."
"Today's announcement with XM marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of Harpo's media portfolio," said Tim Bennett, President, Harpo Productions, Inc. "'Oprah & Friends' will not only complement our existing television, print, film, cable and online properties but will provide new opportunities to extend our brand to XM's millions of listeners."
About Harpo
Harpo Productions, Inc. produces the number one rated, award-winning "The Oprah Winfrey Show," creates and develops original TV programming, and operates Oprah.com, a premier women's lifestyle website. Harpo Print, LLC and Hearst Magazines publish the monthly O, The Oprah Magazine and quarterly O at Home publications. Harpo Films, Inc. produces feature films as well as top-rated telefilms under the "Oprah Winfrey Presents" banner. Harpo, Inc. produces the original cable series "Oprah After the Show," which airs on the Oxygen Network. Harpo Radio, Inc. will produce the content for "Oprah & Friends" on XM Satellite Radio, which will debut in September 2006.
About XM Canada
XM Canada offers the most commercial-free music - from classical to country, bluegrass to blues, hip-hop to pop, rock 'n' roll to jazz – and engaging talk show programs. XM Canada creates original content that reflects our unique Canadian culture and broadcasts it throughout North America.
XM Canada's line-up offers the most comprehensive NHL game coverage, entertainment and information programming. XM will become the exclusive satellite radio broadcaster of NHL games starting after next season. XM Canada offers the most hardware choice in Canada - with radios for car, home and portable use - and the lowest subscription fee in satellite radio at $12.99 monthly. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. As a partner, General Motors of Canada factory-installs XM radios in more than 50 of its 2006 models.
Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. offers its satellite radio service and operates under the XM Canada™ brand. XM Canada has an exclusive Canadian licence from XM Satellite Radio Inc., the leading satellite radio provider in the U.S. with more than six million subscribers.
To subscribe to XM Canada online or for more information about XM Canada's programming line-up and radio choice, visit www.xmradio.ca. |