LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- OWN Chairman Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav jointly announced today that Robert Tercek has been named president of Digital Media for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. In this position, Mr. Tercek will oversee the multimedia ventures for OWN and Oprah.com, effective Nov. 3, 2008.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081021/NETU065 )

As president of Digital Media, Mr. Tercek will lead the digital team in creating and marketing multi-platform opportunities for OWN and Oprah.com content. He will spearhead initiatives to build a significant social media presence. Based in Los Angeles, he also will have an office in Chicago.

"Robert's expertise in emerging technologies will help serve our dedicated online community in exciting new ways," said Ms. Winfrey. "I'm happy to welcome him to our team."

"Robert's leadership in growing digital businesses will help turn OWN and Oprah.com into the go-to source on multiple screens for living your best life," said Mr. Zaslav. With network President Robin Schwartz, OWN has a best- in-class management team to harness the power of the Oprah and Discovery brands and bring this venture to life across all consumer platforms."

A seasoned media executive, Mr. Tercek's experience spans two decades in creating and marketing content on every digital distribution platform including cable, broadband, game consoles and mobile. He has founded and launched several digital entertainment companies, most recently as co-founder of the social media web sites Comedy.com and PeopleJam.

Mr. Tercek was previously the chief marketing officer for MForma Group, one of the world's largest publishers of entertainment for mobile phones. As CMO, he supervised content programming and worldwide marketing programs for the company. During his tenure at MForma, Mr. Tercek formed partnerships with Paramount, Universal, Atari, Activision, Hasbro, CBS Sportsline, and Marvel Comics. Before joining MForma, Mr. Tercek served as president of PacketVideo's Applications and Services Division, where he supervised the launch of the world's first video services for mobile phones.

His career began in cable as Creative Director at MTV, leading the pop culture network's On-Air Creative department in Hong Kong and New York. In 1997, Mr. Tercek made the move to online programming as senior vice president of Digital Media at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he launched 22 online properties including interactive versions of two top syndicated programs, "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune."

"Oprah has inspired millions through television, radio and print. The Oprah.com website enables those fans to connect and respond. I'm looking forward to working with Oprah's great team to expand the web presence to all digital platforms," says Mr. Tercek. "With OWN Digital Media, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to create interactive experiences that touch the lives of millions."

About OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network

A joint venture between Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut in 2009 in more than 70 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also will include the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About Harpo

Harpo Productions, Inc. produces the number-one-rated, award-winning "The Oprah Winfrey Show"; creates and develops original TV programming for primetime, syndication and cable television; and operates Oprah.com (www.oprah.com), a premier lifestyle website. Harpo Print, LLC and Hearst Magazines publish the monthly O, The Oprah Magazine and quarterly O at Home publications. Harpo Films, Inc. produces feature films as well as top-rated telefilms under the "Oprah Winfrey Presents" banner. Harpo Radio, Inc. produces Oprah & Friends (XM channel 156, Sirius channel 195) on Sirius XM Radio.

SOURCE OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network