February 12, 2004
allaccess

The speculation can end, as the worst-kept secret in radio has been officially confirmed: RYAN SEACREST is now at the helm of CLEAR CHANNEL Top 40 KIIS/LOS ANGELES' morning show. During today's taping of his daily syndicated show, "ON AIR WITH RYAN SEACREST," the ubiquitous SEACREST himself confirmed the news that he'd be taking over the RICK DEES air-chair. Today's highly promoted episode of SEACREST's show featured an exclusive interview and performance by BRITNEY SPEARS, too.

"We couldn't be more excited about the future of KIIS-FM with RYAN SEACREST," said CLEAR CHANNEL/L.A. VP/Programming JOHN IVEY.

The busy SEACREST said: "I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to become the host of the renowned KIIS-FM morning show. I am excited to be part of the team that takes KIIS into a new era, and continue my relationship with CLEAR CHANNEL. I am looking forward to returning to daily radio, and what better place than KIIS-FM, the nation's number one pop music brand."

The new KIIS morning show, which will also be called "ON AIR WITH RYAN SEACREST," will premiere live from the syndicated television show's HOLLYWOOD and HIGHLAND studio "soon," according to the official press release. As for SEACREST himself, he'll continue to serve as host and executive producer of his self-titled TV show, host "AMERICAN IDOL," and keep on keepin' on playing the hits as the host of "AMERICAN TOP 40 WITH RYAN SEACREST."

And the PREMIERE NETWORKS syndicated show "RICK DEES WEEKLY TOP 40" will continue to be heard on KIIS-FM every Sunday morning.