CNN Senior Execs have begun internal "exploratory" talks about the possibility of making an overture to "American Idol" host, Ryan Seacrest, according to an industry source familiar with high-stakes negotiations. The source spoke on condition of anonymity.
Seacrest is involved in a bevy of projects outside the Idol franchise, hosting a syndicated radio show, "AT40" and his addition to a cable power that has long coveted younger viewers would make sense.
In fact, Seacrest has filled in for Larry King from time to time and ratings for the shows were more than respectable and added several new viewers from the highly-coveted 25-54/Adult demo popular with advertisers.
King's ratings are still strong and his guest list is A-grade; his ability to book a President Clinton here, a Bette Midler there, and Donald Trump are a mainstay of CNN'S nightly prime-time line-up. In May, 2008 rumors filled Internet chat rooms that Seacrest would replace King, but King's contract at CNN runs through 2010.
Whether Seacrest would be added to have his own show isn't known or whether he ostensibly would take over someone else's time slot is also unknown. CNN added popular DL Hughley to it's weekend line-up a few months ago, again, making a pitch toward younger, more affluent viewers. Ratings have been mixed.
Adding Seacrest would no doubt be a significant boost to CNN'S Q rating, but before any serious negotiations can commence, according to the source, two major factors will have to be taken into account.
One is whether FOX and it's parent company, News Corporation and owner, Rupert Murdoch, would allow one of it's major talents to host a daily show on it's rival cable network. The other factor is money.
Seacrest makes a reported $10 million a year from "Idol" alone and would no doubt command a seven-figure income from Time Warner, CNN's parent company.
Rich Lieberman Report Exclusive
10: 58: 43 PM PST 03-07-'09
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