Ryan Seacrest may have the busiest dance card in the media business but a new long-term deal with iHeartMedia will keep the entertainment mogul on the radio, the medium that launched his career while still in high school. The three-year contract runs through Dec. 31, 2025, during which time Seacrest will celebrate 30 years as one of iHeart’s top personalities and one of the most recognized and respected names in the media and entertainment industry.
Under the agreement, Seacrest, 46, will continue in his role across all iHeartRadio platforms: hosting and producing his morning drive show for CHR KIIS-FM Los Angeles (102.7) and the nationally-syndicated shows “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and “American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest.” He will also continue as a key advisor to the company, working with iHeart Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and President, COO and CFO Rich Bressler, providing input into the company’s major initiatives and hosting several tentpole events, including the two-day iHeartRadio Music Festival and the New York City stop on the annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball holiday tour.
“Continuing my relationship with iHeartMedia was a no-brainer,” said Seacrest. “Thirty years speed by when you love what you do. I get to live out my dream every day by interacting with our listeners and hearing their stories. Thank you to Bob and Rich and the entire iHeartMedia team for continuing to support us and grow with us. And a special thank you to my on-air crew, the best team in radio, for making the show work seamlessly every day.”
Terms of the deal, which was negotiated by Jeff Refold, COO and CFO of Ryan Seacrest Enterprises, and Jonathan West at Latham & Watkins, were not disclosed.
“We are honored to continue working with Ryan, who has consistently delighted audiences both digitally and in-person with his knowledge, energy and trustworthiness,” said Bressler. “Ryan is truly unique in the world of entertainment, with a keen eye for business and the talent to match. His impact is unparalleled, and we congratulate him on nearly three decades as part of the iHeartMedia family!”
Seacrest started his career at WSTR-FM while still in high school in his native Atlanta, before co-hosting afternoons on then-“Star 98.7 KYSR-FM Los Angeles, which eventually led to other radio and hosting work.
On the TV front, Seacrest continues to co-host “Live With Kelly and Ryan” and host the long-running music competition “American Idol.”