Ryan Seacrest to be new host of American Top 40

[GordonUM]

The story's been picked up by the Associated Press and it's on cnn.com at www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/11/ple.seacrest.ap/index.html but there's nothing we don't already know in there.

[hamjerzee]

I have quite a few points to make out of this story and of its replies.

MST3K1:
Any chance of somebody else starting up a countdown show using the R&R top 40? (I don't count Rick Dees, as he's proven unreliable in that regard.)

1) I've already made a "R&R Top 40" chart...kinda. Since it's created in the middle of the week, there's some discrepancy, but if it means you guys are going to want to download it and actually listen to it, then by all means I'll make it after the Sunday update, if it's free of course. I don't want to get fined for this, but the show is already on WXBA-FM like some of you know, so it's a quality show.

On the topic of the old host:
2) It's really too bad that Casey is going off the American Top 40 airwaves. That there is a serious understatement, but words can't describe the way he has affected so many lives over the past decade and more.

On the topic of the new AT40:
3) The new interactive format of AT40 brings mixed feelings to me. Personally, the whole prize giveaway was something they HAD to do eventually, just to keep up with everybody else. Interviews are VERY important to boost ratings that will undoubtedly falter because of true fans turning off their radios. That also has been a long time coming. The interactive format is what kills me. The name needs to be changed because like someone said, it's basically turning into half-TRL, only 4x as big a chart. No doubt it will provide diversity in the music (even if they still partially use R&R), but it's not worth listening to IMHO.

4) It would be fitting if the last song Casey played was "When I'm Gone". Too bad that isn't going to happen (I don't think).

About a boycott:
5) There's nobody going to even stage a boycott just because some twenty-something is taking over AT40 and they're switching to a new format. You can boycott, but the ratings are only going to drop a little. I mean look: the show airs 1am-5am in New York City, and not at all in L.A. (until next year). So, not to sound insensitive, but, why bother?

About Ryan's future endeavors:
6) The "Daily Variety" says Ryan is looked at to be the future host of "Rick Dees's Weekly Top 40". How many shows does he need to hoard in? Who wants to hear the same voice do two countdowns, two separate countdowns, two countdowns that are the two biggest top 40 countdowns in the world? Not me. That'll be the day that I'll rue January 10th, when Seacrest first came to air.

I thought I was going to write more, but this is enough. Hey, feel free to bash my opinions if you want to. That's what I posted for.

And remember my countdown show. If there's ever a change in sources for AT40, I can always change mine too!

[Arson]

What disappointing news. I thought it was all just a rumour, and now it's all true...

I've only listened to AT40 a couple of times, but I've enjoyed it each time. I like hearing Casey Kasem presenting the official R&R CHR/Pop chart. His show is so simple, without the typical reliance on dumb jokes and call-in contests.

I hope AT40 will continue to use R&R, but it doesn't seem very likely with talk of internet technology. The thing I dislike most about request shows is that one can never tell whether it's real or rigged. Rick Dees' request shows are a joke. And then with online voting, you get a small number of crazy fans sending in a zillion votes.

I do understand why execs might feel the show needs to be energized. The only thing that I wanted added to AT40 was more song clips (played when Casey Kasem mentioned past hits).

I'm glad Casey Kasem is staying on for AT20, but I will still miss hearing him on AT40. I had always hoped that my local station would switch to AT40 so I could hear Casey Kasem on a regular basis, but no chance of that now. :(

[EvanJ]

If Ryan does two countdowns you can hope the show that takes over for Rick no longer switches positions. If one counts down the chart and the other doesn't, the one that counts down the chart should be called American Top 40 regardless of whether it's the successor to Casey or Rick.
I guess if Casey can make a four hour show and two three hour shows, then it's possible for Ryan to make two four hour shows, it would be less total hours, but it would be more total hours if Ryan also did a one hour TV show five days a week.
Ryan making a connection between Clear Channel and American Idol could help American Idols on radio.

[BFMR]

EvanJ said:

Ryan making a connection between Clear Channel and American Idol could help American Idols on radio.

it could also kill the demographic of 30+ who honestly don't give much of a rat's ass about a stupid competition only built to fill the pockets of some greasy slimball. The true AT40 fans won't care for this "new and corrupted" version of a truly great show...

i honestly think that when you've had enough of something, why the hell bother shoving in down our throats??

[Rob64]

WHA???? Ryan is taking over Rick Dees? Huh? I LOVE the rick dees top 40, it's entertaining. Rick makes the show. I don't want a new host. I'd be depressed

[Slinky]

HamJerzee said:

About Ryan's future endeavors:
6) The "Daily Variety" says Ryan is looked at to be the future host of "Rick Dees's Weekly Top 40". How many shows does he need to hoard in? Who wants to hear the same voice do two countdowns, two separate countdowns, two countdowns that are the two biggest top 40 countdowns in the world? Not me. That'll be the day that I'll rue January 10th, when Seacrest first came to air.

Just a correction on this one. I didn't read the "Daily Variety" article, but either they screwed up or maybe you misinterpreted. Seacrest is said to be next in line for Dees' KIIS-FM morning show, not the Weekly Top 40. Seacrest wouldn't host both Premiere CHR countdowns. I'd guess that when Dees steps down from WT40, which is a long way off I'm sure, the show would just fold, and Premiere would concentrate on AT40 or start a new show. After all, it is the "Rick Dees Weekly Top 40".

[StephL]

Question: Do people think Ryan Seacrest is talented, engaging, personable, entertaining, or whatever it takes to host AT40? Or, is he just popular because he hosts a gimmicky tv show? Will he be countin 'em down for years, or will he a has-been before we know it?

[BFMR]

StephL said:

Question: Do people think Ryan Seacrest is talented, engaging, personable, entertaining, or whatever it takes to host AT40? Or, is he just popular because he hosts a gimmicky tv show? Will he be countin 'em down for years, or will he a has-been before we know it?

no freakin' way.. Ryan is annoying as HELL on anything he does... he's an abnoxious punk who shouldn't be on television or radio period... >:(

[Ragin]

StephL said:

Question: Do people think Ryan Seacrest is talented, engaging, personable, entertaining, or whatever it takes to host AT40? Or, is he just popular because he hosts a gimmicky tv show? Will he be countin 'em down for years, or will he a has-been before we know it?

He has some broadcast skills obviously or he wouldn't be there at all, but I kind of agree with Bengino Man that he annoys the hell out of me too. But then I like virtually none of the DJ's that are popular with the teens, so what do I know?

[Jeff]

krazymack said:

I love Casey, he is the best countdown show host ever!!!!!!!

I agree. I first heard Casey Kasem back in the '70s.

[tico]

ljaesch said:

*As part of the switchover, AT40 has gained a new affiliate: KIIS-FM in L.A., which will air the show Saturday mornings. Seacrest has recently signed a deal to serve as KIIS morning jock Rick Dees' official fill-in personality; he's widely believed to be in line to eventually replace Rick Dees

I've read elsewhere that Star 94 in Atlanta may be airing the show. Ryan started out as a part-time DJ there when he was 16 or 17.

As far as Ryan being the host, I don't like the idea. After hearing him on KYSR, I didn't find him that impressive. I think another host should've been found. I've said before that I wouldn't listen if Ryan does become the host. I should at least give him a chance and listen for myself. Maybe he'll change my mind.

[tico]

HamJerzee said:

On the topic of the old host:
2) It's really too bad that Casey is going off the American Top 40 airwaves. That there is a serious understatement, but words can't describe the way he has affected so many lives over the past decade and more.

Let's not forget that this isn't the first time Casey has left AT40. He did so back in 1988 and was replaced by Shadoe Stevens. It sounded odd to hear AT40 without Casey, but I happen to think Shadoe was better than Casey.

[Jeff]

Rob64 said:

WHA???? Ryan is taking over Rick Dees? Huh? I LOVE the rick dees top 40, it's entertaining. Rick makes the show. I don't want a new host. I'd be depressed

I don't think Rick Dees will retire anytime soon.

[krazymack]

I liked Shadoe Stevens too. He was my second favorite countdown host back then. Where is he? He was such a good host to AT40 when Casey left AT40 the first time around. Although Casey will always be my favorite.

[Edf85]

This is pretty pathetic. I wonder whos idea this was.

Casey has a good radio countdown show host voice!

We dont need no stupid metrosexual turning AT40 into a TRL-esque online voting countdown

[jond7699]

Edf85 said:

This is pretty pathetic. I wonder whos idea this was.

Casey has a good radio countdown show host voice!

We dont need no stupid metrosexual turning AT40 into a TRL-esque online voting countdown

I think it is time for Casey to retire. I totally dislike Ed Mcmanns voice. It is just annoying. Plus Ryan is a hottie. I defintiely won't mind him taking over. Although no one will ever be able to be Casey. Casey is and always will be the man.

[krazymack]

Let's not forget that this isn't the first time Casey has left AT40. He did so back in 1988 and was replaced by Shadoe Stevens. It sounded odd to hear AT40 without Casey, but I happen to think Shadoe was better than Casey.

Yeah, I admit I was very wrong about that.

I was a little upset and saddened that Casey Kasem was leaving AT40 because he has been such a role model to me. But after reading many posters comments, I agree that it has truly come to a time to pass the torch to a new rising and aspiring dj. Casey might have felt this way being that he is getting older and has paid his dues already. I'll just catch Casey on AT20 if I need to hear his voice again.

For AT40, I think Ryan is quite decent for the job and he truly deserves a fair chance. He isn't bad at all - for example a la Rick Dees, he maintains the level of sophistication that Casey Kasem has and I think he'll be able to succeed. I just hope that the countdown doesn't become some Top 40 version of TRL then I'll be very dissapointed.

[krazymack]

I liked Shadoe Stevens too. He was my second favorite countdown host back then. Where is he?

I'll answer my own question, Shadoe Stevens is currently hosting an international radio show called Rhythmradio.

www.rhythmradio.com

[Edf85]

jond7699 said:

Plus Ryan is a hottie. I defintiely won't mind him taking over.

Of course that's all that matters in radio right ???lol

[jond7699]

Edf85 said:

Of course that's all that matters in radio right ???lol

LOL I know it has nothing to do with radio but he is !!!!

[Rob64]

eh? so you're happy a "hottie" (umm) is replacing a legend? You're crazy ;)

[Rose "Payola" Nylund]

Any chance Casey's Top 40 could return?.,.. oh wait, that was already asked and I already replied!

[tico]

krazymack said:

I'll answer my own question, Shadoe Stevens is currently hosting an international radio show called Rhythmradio.

www.rhythmradio.com

Also, he still voices Hollywood Squares.

[strong4PMB!]

I've never heard Casey before. And I only heard Rick Dees for a couple years, before CHR/Pop disappeared from the Bay Area.