Discovery Communications has announced a deal with Chicago’s Oprah Winfrey to launch a new cable network, dubbed OWN — the Oprah Winfrey Network.

The network will debut in 2009 and will supplant the channel currently known as the Discovery Health Channel.

OWN’s mission is to create multiple platforms for women, men and their families with a purpose and a passion: to celebrate life, to inspire and entertain, empowering viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, lift the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles.

Winfrey already has numerous media ventures, including her daily syndicated TV show, a website, a magazine, a film studio, and a radio channel on XM.