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‘American Idol’ host Seacrest sets up shop at E!
MUMBAI: US broadcaster E! Entertainment Television has reached an agreement with the host of American Idol Ryan Seacrest for a multi-year deal.
This calls for Seacrest to appear both on-air as well as develop and produce multiple series projects for the network via his Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP) banner.
The E! deal turns Seacrest into a quadruple threat with roles in the worlds of broadcast television, nationally syndicated radio, local radio and now cable.
Under terms of the pact, Seacrest will become managing editor and lead anchor of “E! News” in March, along with current anchor Giuliana DePandi. Additionally, he will serve as executive producer and tower host of E!’s Live From the Red Carpet beginning with the Golden Globe Awards on 16 January 2006 and moving on to produce and host a series of celebrity interview specials.
At the same time, RSP is poised to become a key supplier of series programming to E! Networks, with the option to sell to other networks should a concept not fit E!’s current needs.
Seacrest says, “I am looking forward to being part of the E! team. This unique opportunity allows my company to take the next step in providing multimedia content.”
Besides American Idol Seacrest hosts the radio countdown show American Top 40 as well as his Los Angeles morning drivetime radio show for Clear Channel’s 102.7 KIIS-FM. Seacrest will now broadcast the KIIS program from his new studio at E! Networks headquarters in Los Angeles.
E! Networks president and CEO Ted Harbert says, “This is a huge coup for E! and demonstrates how committed we are about being the dominant entertainment authority. Not only will we benefit immensely from Ryan’s extraordinary ability as a broadcaster, his crystal clear vision of our brand will make him an extremely valuable supplier of original programming. His talent, popularity and easygoing on-screen charm have earned him millions of fans who will follow him to E! He is the very best at what he does.”
Seacrest will continue to host American Idol as well as a fill-in host for CNN’s Larry King Live.The latest development under RSP is Seacrest’s new position as co-host, while being groomed to be sole host of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.This year will mark the first in a multi-year deal that finds him presiding over and executive producing the New Year’s Eve special under his production banner.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
