The Oxygen website - its founders say it is the first of its kind

Other programmes will include an evening talk show hosted by actress Candice Bergen, as well as yoga, sports and comedy programmes.

Oprah herself will have her own show called Oprah Goes Online. The title indicates another feature of Oxygen - its strong alliance with the internet.

The channel has also launched its own website and aims to take full advantage of its potential.

At the bottom of the TV screen, information will pop up to point viewers towards their PCs to find out more online about what they are watching.

Competitive market

But even though it has a string of high-profile financial backers, including the American Broadcasting Company and the telephone company AT&T, Oxygen may find it tough going in the most competitive television marketplace in the world.

With literally hundreds of channels on offer, it can be difficult for a new one to convince a cable company to carry its programmes.

Oxygen will start with an audience of just 10 million homes and no distribution in New York and much of Los Angeles.

Both cities are major sources of advertising revenue.

But it is hoping that by closely integrating its television programming with its internet sites, it can boost revenue through online advertising.