NBC wants to keep Lauer and Seacrest

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- The head of NBC Entertainment said in California the network was trying to keep both Matt Lauer and Ryan Seacrest in the fold.

Bob Greenblatt told a meeting of the Television Critics Association his No. 1 priority was keeping Lauer in his current role as co-host of "Today" and signing Seacrest to a new contract once his current gig on E! expires.

The Hollywood Reporter said Greenblatt outlined the NBC strategy amid rumors the network was ready to move Seacrest into the "Today" roster should Lauer leave the show.

Greenblatt said in addition to keeping Lauer, the network did not want to let Seacrest get away either.

"He has become an incredible star," Greenblatt said. "He's a great asset for the company at large."

Greenblatt told the critics one possibility would be developing an interview show for Seacrest along the same lines as the specials Barbara Walters currently hosts on ABC.