Bebo Segues to 'Originals'

NEW YORK Bebo, the social networking site that is part of Time Warner's AOL unit, plans a minimum of six original productions for 2009 under a newly created program banner dubbed "Bebo Originals."

The move makes Bebo's programming efforts more similar to that of TV networks that commission, schedule and promote shows.

Building on the success of original short-form series "KateModern" and "Sofia's Diary," Bebo said it would branch out from the drama category to add entertainment, reality and comedy content.

In line with the TV network model, the social network said it would "give all new shows an opportunity to perform on Bebo without competition, as well as offering them promotional support across the network."