Oprah channel makes satellite radio debut

CHICAGO, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Oprah Winfrey's "Oprah & Friends" channel debuted Monday on XM Satellite Radio in North America.

The channel features original talk programming from Harpo Radio to over seven million satellite radio subscribers throughout U.S. and Canada.

"XM's more than seven million subscribers will now benefit from Oprah Winfrey's unparalleled track record of creating programming that entertains, informs and inspires," XM Satellite Radio Chief Executive Officer Hugh Panero said. "The shows heard on the 'Oprah & Friends' channel reflect XM and Harpo's shared commitment to engaging audiences by creating personal connections with listeners."

XM said that key among the new broadcasts will be "The Oprah and Gayle Show," a talk show featuring the iconic TV host and her friend Gayle King, and "Weekend Encore," which will allow listeners to catch up on any of the channel's numerous talk shows they have missed.