Amazon.com plans to webcast a 12-episode original show, hosted by Bill Maher, that features performers and authors talking up new releases available for sale by Amazon, reports the Associated Press. The original series will begin airing June 1 and is the first among what the company says is other examples of original content anticipated for launch on the website. The intent is to make Amazon.com more of a destination, according to Kathy Savitt, vice-president of strategic communications, content and initiatives.

Guests on "Amazon Fishbowl With Bill Maher" will be promoting new releases - a book, DVD or CD - and Savitt said the shows will include ways for people to immediately buy the products.

In addition to the sales, sponsors (such as UPS) will help pay for the show. UPS ads will accompany the webcasts, and Maher will talk about UPS during the show. "We're working with sponsors in a very different way than traditional advertising," Savitt said; they will be "an interwoven and an important and authentic part of the show."