iHeartMedia has announced it has agreed to a four year contract extension with Ryan Seacrest.
Seacrest will continue to host mornings at CHR 102.7 KIIS-FM Los Angeles and the syndicated daily “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and weekly “American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest.” He will also serve as an advisor to Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman and President/COO/CFO Rich Bressler for major initiatives and hosting events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and KIIS-FM’s edition of the Jingle Ball.
After beginning his career in his teens at “Star 94” WSTR Atlanta, Seacrest joined then Hot AC “Star 98.7” KYSR Los Angeles in 1995 hosting nights and later afternoons. In 2004 he succeeded Rick Dees in mornings at KIIS-FM and Casey Kasem as host of “American Top 40”. He added the daily syndicated show in 2008.
The new deal with Seacrest runs through the end of 2027. He had previously signed a contract in September 2021 through the end of 2025.
iHeartMedia announced today that it has extended its contract with Ryan Seacrest, the nationally-celebrated media and entertainment entrepreneur, radio personality, television host and producer, and philanthropist. The contract now runs through December 31, 2027, extending the successful partnership between the No. 1 audio company in America and one of the most recognized and respected names throughout the entire media and entertainment industry.
Seacrest first started his career as a teenager in Atlanta at 94.1 WSTR (FM) before going on to work in Los Angeles at 98.7, which eventually led to other radio and hosting opportunities. Since then, Seacrest has built a reputation as one of media’s most trusted voices, cultivating a genuine connection – and powerful relationships – with consumers, advertisers, and America’s biggest stars, and is a true brand ambassador for iHeartMedia.
Under the agreement, Seacrest will continue in his role as one of the core personalities across all iHeartRadio platforms, hosting and producing his #1 Los Angeles morning drive-time show for iHeartMedia’s 102.7 KIIS-FM, the nationally-syndicated “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and “American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest.” Seacrest will also continue to work closely with both Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO, and Rich Bressler, President, COO and CFO, providing input into the company’s major initiatives and hosting several tentpole events, including the iconic two-day iHeartRadio Music Festival; Los Angeles’ iHeartRadio Jingle Ball holiday concert with today’s top artists performing their #1 hits; and more.
“iHeartMedia has been my home for many years, and I’m honored to continue to work together to find new and innovative ways to connect with our listeners,” said Seacrest. “Thank you to Bob and Rich and the extended iHeartMedia family for the continued support, and a special thank you to my on-air crew, the best team in radio, for making the show fun and seamless every day.”
“It’s an honor to once again extend our relationship with Ryan, one of our most iconic personalities who has been instrumental in growing iHeartMedia’s reach in his three-decade career with us while endlessly entertaining our audiences nationwide,” said Rich Bressler. “Ryan is in a class of his own in the entertainment industry and we’re thrilled to have his expertise, business savvy and talent to count on for years to come.”
Seacrest’s deal was negotiated by Jeff Refold, COO and CFO of Ryan Seacrest Enterprises, and Jonathan West at Latham & Watkins LLP.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com