Oprah Winfrey Photos / stills

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The channel is called OWN, or the Oprah Winfrey Network. It is a joint venture with the Discovery channels.

OWN's start date has been delayed twice and its cost has reportedly swollen to $189m (£121m).

Among the programmes scheduled is a reality show starring the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.

Winfrey has built up a huge fan base during 25 years as the host of the syndicated Oprah Winfrey Show.

The programmes on the new station have a focus on empowerment, improvement, positivity aimed mainly at women, who are Ms Winfrey's core audience.

"I wanted to build a network which empowers you, the viewer, to turn your dreams into reality," Ms Winfrey said on a preview programme that launched the network on Saturday.

One of the programmes offered will be a reality show in which 10 finalists from thousands of applicants will compete for the chance to host their own TV show.

There will also be a programme called Why Not?, hosted by Canadian country singer Shania Twain.