Oprah Winfrey's new partner on cable TV is a bit like her: It came from humble beginnings to become a big force in the media business.

After launching in 1985 with 156,000 subscribers, Discovery Communications Inc. now has a global audience of millions and owns several hot cable properties, including Discovery Channel and TLC, home of the tabloid sensation "Jon & Kate Plus 8."

Winfrey's announcement last week that she was ending her broadcast-syndicated talk show in 2011 capped a long period of speculation that began when in January 2008 she announced the launch of the Los Angeles-based OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, in a 50-50 partnership with Discovery.

Discovery's stock has more than doubled since the start of the year, and the company's market value is nearly $9 billion. Ratings at its most well-known channels are up, thanks in part to the gossip about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children, whose finale was airing Monday night.

• Read the full Associated Press story.