This is a little shocking even by NBC's standards.
In a contract that NBCUniversal is calling a “groundbreaking multi-platform agreement” Ryan Seacrest, the longtime host of American Idol and E! Entertainment news will become, among other things, a reporter/analyst for NBC News during the 2012 election. The New York Times’ Brian Stelter reports that Seacrest’s new two year deal will make him a “special correspondent” for the Today Show and will include contributions to NBC’s Olympics coverage. Some sort of deal with Seacrest was long expected since he is viewed by many as one of the most versatile and well-liked hosts on television and Mediaite was first to report that NBC talked to Seacrest about hosting the Today Show if Matt Lauer left his perch as co-host.
I'm not a Ryan Seacrest hater, however I don't believe hosting American Idol and Dick Clark's (RIP) Rockin' New Year's Eve qualifies you to provide analysis for one of the most important elections in our history.
In her defense, Chelsea Clinton did at least have political experience in that she spent time on the campaign trail in 2008, her mother is the Secretary of State, and her father the former President. Seacrest, on the other hand, leaves me drawing a big fat blank.
This has nothing to do with substantiated analysis and everything to do with drawing in more viewers, and it's shameless.
(via @Chernynkaya)