American Idol host/ TV executive producer/ Radio host Ryan Seacrest is sticking to his plan to be just like Oprah. The multihyphenate will get on that road in a major way if and when he reaches a deal to buy VH1 Soul from media giant Viacom.
The news comes nearly a year after The Hollywood Reporter first reported that Seacrest was teaming with the two companies to launch a network, described then as a music, pop culture and lifestyle-oriented channel. It would likely pull additional programming from AEG's worldwide concert and live venue assets (including the Staples Center, L.A. Live and London's The 02), and would not be seen as a direct competitor to NBCUniversal cable network E!, where Seacrest has had a long-term deal.[THR]
