• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, April 20, 2009

In what may be a cost-cutting move or sign of friction between top executives at the yet-to-launch OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, the venture's president, Robin Schwartz, resigned Monday, the network said.

Schwartz joined the channel in July 2008 as president, knowing she would report to an unnamed CEO. Six months later in January, that role went to former MTV Networks executive Christina Norman.

Norman said the position of president would not be filled with Schwartz's departure -- a move that looks to "streamline executive reporting."

Schwartz had served as president of now-shuttered Regency Television, which produced hits such as "The Bernie Mac Show" and "Malcolm in the Middle." The shows were established successes when she arrived, although she had a role in their production in their final years. She produced a 2008 Fox series "New Amsterdam" that was canceled. Schwartz called the opportunity to join OWN "the chance of a lifetime."

With Schwartz's departure, Nina Wass, senior vice president, creative affairs, and Maria Grasso, senior vice president, programming, will report directly to Norman.

OWN -- a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions -- was originally tabbed for a spring 2009 launch, but has since been delayed until 2010. The network will take over the 70-million-home distribution of the Discovery Health Channel.

Earlier this month, Norman unveiled some programming on tap for OWN, including "Master Class," essentially an interview show where Winfrey will sit down with celebrities and others who can offer inspiration. Also coming is "Surfer's Healing," a reality series focused on an ex-competitive surfer who -- along with his wife and three children, one of whom is autistic -- run a surf school.

There will also be a talk show with sex therapist and relationship expert Dr. Laura Berman, and some acquired programming, including movies.