AOL's People.com is being redesigned not only to take advantage of new media trends but also to attract new ad units as well as more advertisers.

People.com will get a roll-out of a new design this fall, one that combines photos, video, podcasts and an archive of 30 years of content in the attempt to be a go-to destination for celebrity news, writes MediaWeek (via MediaBuyerPlanner). The redesign will also allow for larger ad units, and advertisers will soon be able to sponsor features and galleries online.

Earlier this summer, People took over the majority of advertising sales for the site from AOL, which is a relief to advertisers, according to the article. "As part of AOL it was gated," Amy Auerbach, Mediacom VP and group account director, is quoted as saying. "Now with opening it up, it's a huge opportunity for advertisers to get to this audience."

So far, 20 advertisers, old and new, have signed on. Automotive, pharmaceutical and entertainment brands can begin to take advantage of the new ad units, along with a StyleWatch channel, in August.