AOL to Produce Content for CBS

AOL, the online unit of media conglomerate Time Warner Inc., said Wednesday that it would co-produce CBS’ Saturday children’s TV programming lineup, bringing together two of traditional media’s biggest competitors -- the Internet and video games.

AOL’s children’s division, KOL, will co-produce part of CBS’ Saturday programming with privately held management company DIC Entertainment Corp.

It comes amid concerns that TV viewers are being siphoned by new technology.

The block of programming will be named KOL’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party on CBS and will premiere Sept. 16, along with a website that will be developed by KOL and DIC.

New shows will include a competition show called “Dance Revolution,” based on Konami Digital Entertainment Inc.’s popular “Dance Dance Revolution” video game, in which players jump around on a pad on the floor while music is playing in response to arrows that appear on the screen.

KOL and DIC are also preparing the 2007 programming season.

“Kids today continue to expand their entertainment options beyond television.... Our new partnership with KOL will provide us with a tremendous opportunity to reach kids through the launch of the new Saturday morning programming block on CBS as well as through KOL’s growing online destination,” said Andy Heyward, chairman and chief executive of DIC.

CBS is a unit of CBS Corp.