Burnett to produce 'People's Choice' show

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Mark Burnett has been named executive producer of the 36th annual People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, CBS announced Thursday.

Burnett's producing credits include the reality TV shows "Survivor," "The Apprentice" and "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"

Singer-actress Queen Latifah has signed on to return as "People's Choice" host for the fourth consecutive year, the network said.

The show, in which fans honor their favorites in movies, music and television, is to be broadcast Jan. 6.

"I am so excited to be working with the People's Choice Awards," Burnett, president of Mark Burnett Productions, said in a statement. "The PCA is a terrific franchise, but more importantly, an essential voice for the people. I look forward to producing a show that not only celebrates and honors all the favorite movies, music and television of 2009, but creates some of the very first buzz-worthy moments of 2010."

"We are thrilled to introduce our new executive producer, Mark Burnett, known for creating must-see moments that surprise and engage television audiences," added Fred Nelson, president of People's Choice. "Burnett's out-of-the-box vision and experience in awards show production make him the perfect choice to reinvigorate the 'People's Choice Awards,' and combining his creativity with Queen Latifah's presence ensures that we deliver the type of show the fans truly want and deserve."