CBS inks deal to air Tonys through 2018

NEW YORK, May 22 (UPI) -- CBS says it has signed an agreement with the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing to keep the Tony Awards presentation on the network through 2018.

The awards show, which honors theater professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, has been telecast on CBS for the past 35 years.

The 67th annual Tony Awards will be broadcast live June 9, returning to Radio City Music Hall after two years at the Beacon Theatre. Emmy Award winner Neil Patrick Harris is to serve as host of the event.

"The Tony Awards give viewers across the country the opportunity to experience the excitement of Broadway theater from their very own living rooms," Jack Sussman, CBS Entertainment executive vice president of specials, music and live events, said in a statement Wednesday.

"We would like to thank CBS for their continued support of the Tony Awards," Heather Hitchens, executive director of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the Broadway League, said in a joint statement. "Their dedication to our community allows us to bring the finest of the Broadway season into the homes of our fans each and every year -- and also allows us to introduce the world of theater to new audiences across the country."