Maher-hosted Webcast planned by Amazon.com

Amazon.com plans to air an original show hosted by Bill Maher and featuring performers and authors touting new releases – which, not coincidentally, will be for sale at the online retailer.

The 12-episode Webcast series, which will begin airing June 1, is the first offering in what the Seattle company says is a broader plan to add more original programming to its Web site.

All of the guests on “Amazon Fishbowl With Bill Maher” will be promoting a new release, such as a book, DVD or CD.

The company is recording the first show at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend, with guests including authors Stephen King and Armistead Maupin, musician Rob Thomas and actress Toni Collette.

It will then preview tidbits of that show beginning Tuesday and leading up to the June 1 launch.

Amazon.com has already tested the waters with previous content offerings. Last summer, for example, Maher also hosted Amazon.com’s 10th anniversary concert, which featured Bob Dylan, Norah Jones and other performers.