NBCUniversal inks multiplatform deal with Ryan Seacrest

NBCUniversal has signed a new deal with celebrity presenter Ryan Seacrest that extends his existing E! on-air hosting, broadcasting and producing duties to NBC, spanning news, entertainment and sports programming--notably the Olympics and the Today Show. "Ryan is an extraordinary talent who has been an important part of the Comcast family for a long time," said Steve Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal. "We look forward to his continued role on E! and to having him appear on many new places across NBCUniversal." As part of the deal, Seacrest will serve as a special correspondent for Today, and contribute to NBC primetime news and entertainment programming. Seacrest will also be a part of the primetime coverage of the Olympics, beginning with the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Additionally, Seacrest continues his ongoing role with E! as managing editor of E! News, providing strategic direction for the news organization, as well as occasionally contributing and producing editorial content and high-profile celebrity interviews. He will continue to host and produce E!'s Live from the Red Carpet signature events, which recently delivered its most-watched awards season in the network's history. The E! network is also a founding sponsor of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seriously ill and injured children through unique programs that utilise multimedia and interactive platforms to enlighten, entertain and educate