14 DAY TRIAL // Ryan Seacrest is one of the busiest and, as it happens, richest figures on television right now. Most of the time behind the camera, Ryan sits atop of a media empire he's build with his own hands. And he's just getting started, says a new report.
For several months now, there's been some rumblings about how Matt Lauer might leave NBC's Today show once his contract is up in 2012.
A fixture on the show since 1997, word has it that Lauer is looking to bring some variety into his life with a new show, or that he's only threatening to leave because he wants a bigger paycheck.
Whichever it might be, NBC seems convinced that he wants to leave – and it's already looking for people who might replace him.
Currently, network bosses are in talks with Ryan Reynolds, who has been offered Lauer's job, in the eventuality he decides not to have his contract renewed next year, the Wall Street Journal informs.
“NBCUniversal is pursuing 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest as a possible successor to Matt Lauer on the Today show, if Mr. Lauer vacates his co-anchor seat next year, said people close to the company,” the publication reports.
The first meeting between NBC and Ryan has already taken place, the same insiders say.
“NBC executives – including Today show executive producer Jim Bell, NBC News President Steve Capus and its senior vice president for marketing and communications, Lauren Kapp – met with Mr. Seacrest on Tuesday evening to discuss him joining the show, according to the people close to the company,” WSJ writes.
The conclusions of the first meeting are now known, but the aforementioned media outlet underlines that they do not guarantee in any way that Seacrest will end up taking over from Lauer.
“To be sure, the talks are preliminary and could fall apart at any time. They also may be in part a negotiating tactic for NBC executives, who need a strong backup plan in case Mr. Lauer leaves the show. Mr. Seacrest is one of NBC's top replacement choices, according to people familiar with the matter,” WSJ notes.
In 2010, Ryan Seacrest made no less than $55 million (€41.2 million) in profit from his various business ventures. If he lands the Today gig as well, he's bound to boost his revenue significantly.