OWN announces programming block

I don't believe that anyone would call the Oprah Winfrey Network a success thus far. After its debut in January of 2011, it has struggled to find its audience, even after debuting in 80 million homes (it replaced the Discovery Health Channel).

In an attempt to help stabilize things, the network today announced the exclusive acquisition of cable rights to Rachael Ray and the Nate Berkus Show, which has been cancelled. Winfrey helped create each show and they are produced by her Harpo Studious.

Rachael Ray arrives from CBS Television Distribution. It is scheduled to air back-to-back on weekdays starting at 9 a.m. EST, beginning September 10. The talk show is one of the most successful programs produced by Oprah and airs in more than 30 countries.

As for Nate Berkus, the show didn't catch on. It lasted only two seasons, in which 200 episodes were made. It will begin airing at 11 a.m. EST, with back-to-back episodes as well.

“Rachael and Nate are a natural fit for OWN’s expanding daytime programming lineup,” said OWN president Erik Logan. “It will be great to have Rachael’s energy and Nate’s upbeat presence on our air.”

I guess old syndicated shows beat new shows no one cares about.

The channel is estimated to have thus far lost approximately $330 million.