- Digital Web Series to Provide Original Content Targeted to African Americans -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UPTOWN Magazine, the only luxury lifestyle magazine for the affluent African American consumer, today announced it has launched “Uptown Unplugged,” a digital channel featuring original content. As a part of this new venture with Uptown Media Ventures, Marriott International is proud to be the presenting sponsor of “Uptown Studio,” “Uptown ProFiles” and “The H List.” 

"We are thrilled to be expanding our brand experience to the digital space and very excited to have Marriott International as our partner in this venture,” said Len Burnett, UPTOWN Magazine Co-Founder and Group Publisher. "Our strategy is to create a strong mix of original and curated content and provide our clients with the best in class production, programming and custom branded entertainment.” 

Each episode will be filmed in the Uptown Studio located in the Renaissance New York Hotel 57 located at Lexington Avenue and 57th Street in New York City. 

The channel will also feature branded entertainment segments from brand partners Marriott International and Ciroc, among others to be announced shortly. 

“Each episode will run approximately 3-5 minutes and the first show will launch in November 2013,” said Executive Producer Lynne McDaniel. “With a strong social media push, the channel will allow Uptown to connect with consumers utilizing online digital content and social engagement tools.” 

“Uptown Unplugged offers Marriott the unique opportunity to reach an audience in a significant way that not only educates, but entertains," said Kristine Friend, Senior Director of Segment Marketing for Marriott International. 

About UPTOWN Magazine 

Founded in 2004, UPTOWN is the only luxury lifestyle brand that targets the Affluent African American (AAA) Market. UPTOWN Magazine affords luxury purveyors the broadest access to this highly sought-after male and female demographic. Uptown Media Group, LLC offers both traditional and innovative strategies across multiple platforms including UPTOWN Magazine (published bi-monthly with NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington DC, Charlotte and National editions), UptownLife.net, the interactive website, Uptown Social event updates, Uptown's signature events and digital production. 

About Marriott International, Inc. 

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Source: UPTOWN Magazine 

View this news release online at: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131029005336/en