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Ryan John Seacrest; “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest signs $45 million deal

By Amarendra Bhushan for CEOWORLD Magazine Updated:July 13, 2009

CKX Inc. announced its 19 Entertainment unit has reached an extension with “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest that also calls for both sides to collaborate on new programming.

Ryan Seacrest will receive a total of $30 million for the next three seasons, as well as a $7.5 million signing bonus. In addition, 19 Entertainment paid $15 million last week for all Ryan Seacrest marketing rights related to “American Idol.”

In addition to his raise, the agreement allows for Seacrest’s production company and “Americal Idol” creator Simon Fuller to work together “on new entertainment endeavors.” Fuller is also chief executive of 19 Entertainment.

The new contract locks Seacrest in as host of the most-watched show in the U.S. through 2012 and gives 19 Entertainment “primetime television network exclusivity for future potential projects” through then, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. “American Idol” airs on Fox, which like Dow Jones Newswires is owned by News Corp.

Under the pact, which is believed to be the richest ever for a reality host, Seacrest will be exclusive to CKX in broadcast TV primetime to host “Idol” or any CKX-produced show that might succeed it.

Seacrest has a separate cable deal with Comcast and is E! Entertainment’s lead anchor. He also produces such shows as E!’s “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and ABC’s upcoming Jamie Oliver reality series.

Ryan John Seacrest is an American television and radio host, television producer, and entrepreneur.He is the host of the FOX reality show American Idol, and of two other television programs: E! News on E!, and the annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve broadcast on ABC.

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