The network originally was aiming for a spring 2009 launch, but the timetable has been delayed until late this year or even 2010. OWN is a joint venture between Winfrey's Harpo Productions and Discovery Communications; it also includes Oprah.com. It has its own board of directors, to which Norman will report.

She joins the network Feb. 17 at its Los Angeles base. The network--which will take over the distribution of Discovery Health Channel--had previously named Robin Schwartz as president.

David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications, applauded Norman's record of "creating contemporary and valuable media brands."

Norman is a 17-year veteran of MTVN, a span that included a top marketing role and heading VH1.