AOL inks content deal with Queen Latifah

By Geoff Duncan March 3, 2011

Image used with permission by copyright holder

AOL is continuing in its march to become a destination portal for digital content, announcing today that it has inked a new partnership with Queen Latifah to executive produce and star in several original Web video series that will be splashed across AOL’s broad network of sites, including a specially-designed hub on AOL’s Blackvoices.com. The shows will use a short-form talk show format covering a wide range of topics, and AOL promised viewers will have input on what topics get covered. Queen Latifah’s production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, will be the series’ main producer.

“With Queen Latifah’s proven track record to create content that resonates with a broad audience, AOL is excited to partner with such a dynamic personality and bring her unique perspective to the digital space,” said AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, in a statement.

Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

The deal is just the latest high-profile content partnership inked by AOL in recent weeks in an effort to boost its profile and lure in both site visitors and online advertising dollars. Last month, AOL bought The Huffington Post for some $315 million. The deal also follows on the heels of other content partnerships with media personalities; in January, AOL also announced a new “late night comedy block” featuring the likes of Kevin Smith, Adam Corolla, and Kevin Pollack. AOL also has deals in place with actress Marlo Thomas and supermodel Heidi Klum.

Queen Latifah has been nominated for both an Emmy and an Academy Award.

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