AOL and Queen Latifah have a New Content Partnership

AOL and Queen Latifah have a new content partnership that puts Queen Latifah in place to executive produce and also star in a variety of original video web series to be featured across AOL’s network of sites. AOL’s Blackvoices.com, a leading Web site for African Americans, will showcase the series in a specially created hub designed to enhance the site’s current video offerings that are increasingly popular with its audience.

In addition, Queen Latifah’s production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, will serve as the main producer of the original web series. The short form, talk show format web series will cover topics ranging from entertainment and sports, to social issues and entrepreneurialism. Viewers will have the ability to influence potential future series that are produced.

“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 Tim Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of AOL.

“Our production company, Flavor Unit is always in search for a perfect partner when we create original content and with this new web series, AOL is certainly it,” said Queen Latifah. “It’s very exciting to collaborate with them as they are leaders and will help bring our show to the masses.”

The announcement follows a number of recent acquisitions and partnership deals from AOL including the agreement to acquire The Huffington Post, the acquisitions of the TechCrunch network of sites, the social software start up Think Labs, Inc., and 5min Media, the Web’s largest video content syndication platform.

In the second half of 2010 alone, AOL closed deals with more than 20 premium content partners and digital studios to deliver a mix of high quality programming to AOL’s audiences. Video franchises across AOL’s owned and operated properties include, AOL Sessions; The Engadget Show; Translogic on AOL Autos; a number of shows on Cambio.com – Cambio Connect, Cambio Style, Cambio Goes Home, and Cambio Cares; and the Secret Millionaire’s Club on AOL Kids.