Discovery to launch OWN block on TLC in UK

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Discovery Networks International are to launch an OWN programming block on the soon-to-launch TLC channel in the UK.

The block will feature shows including Oprah’s Next Chapter, Oprah’s Master Class, Oprah’s Lifeclass, and Super Soul Sunday.

According to Discovery, the introduction of the programming block is part of a drive to introduce OWN content to discovery’s female-focused flagship channels in the future as well as to boost general entertainment content on TLC. It said additional launches of OWN blocks on TLC channels internationally were being explored.

“We are so proud to build on the great success that we have had airing Oprah’s Next Chapter with Lance Armstrong and Justin Bieber,ˇ said Luis Silberwasser, executive vice-president and chief content officer, DNI. “This is the next phase in showcasing the content that is like no other, the kind that only Oprah and her team at OWN can deliver.  This is a real win for DNI, OWN, and most importantly, our viewers with the stars and celebrities that are featured across OWN programming. We are delighted to premiere this block in the UK on TLC at its launch.”

OWN will continue its partnership with Passion Distribution to distribute other OWN programming internationally.

Separately, DNI has acquired the show Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls to air on Discovery Channel internationally. The series, which will premiere in the US on NBC this summer, is co-produced by Bear Grylls Ventures and Ben Silverman’s multimedia studio, Electus. The series will premiere on Discovery Channel beginning in third quarter 2013 and will air in 218 countries and territories across western Europe, central and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific.