Ryan Seacrest will host the 59TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS airing live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 16 at 8/7c on FOX.

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, FOX, said: Ryan Seacrest is known and loved by television audiences around the world. His work on AMERICAN IDOL is unparalleled in the industry. Hes a consummate host of major live broadcast events and a proven talent who always makes it look easy, which makes him the perfect choice for this year's Emmy telecast.

Ryan Seacrest appeals to a broad audience, including the highly desirable young adult demographic, so he should serve as a magnet for attracting a diverse array of viewers to our Emmy telecast, said Dick Askin, Chairman and CEO of the Television Academy. He is charismatic and talented, and he will be very comfortable in the production environment that has been created for this year's telecast.

Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the 59TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS, said: Im excited about working with Ryan. This years show will be different in a number of ways; the freshness, enthusiasm and professionalism that Ryan brings to everything he does will be a perfect match for some of the innovative things we have planned. Ive watched Ryans growth on live events with great delight, and were going to have a great time with him on the Emmys.

Ryan will also host the entertainment portion of FOXs Super Bowl broadcast this winter, marking the first time the event has featured a host and red carpet pre-game coverage.

Originally from Atlanta, Seacrest began his professional career in broadcasting at the age of 16, when he interned at WSTR/STAR 94 in Atlanta.