Seacrest Media Empire Still Expanding

Ryan Seacrest has a mission, and he’s proud to admit it: He aims to be the Dick Clark, Merv Griffin, and Larry King of his generation. Since childhood, the "American Idol" host has plotted every step to get closer to his goal, writes Tom Shales in the Washington Post. Now he shares his name with so many projects that he’s had to trademark it.

“I don't know everything, but I certainly want to try everything,” says Seacrest, who calls himself “very, very competitive.” Alongside his $12 million "Idol" gig, he enjoys a $21 million deal hosting E!’s red-carpet shows, runs six media companies, and has a fashion line. But he’s not “multi-talented,” writes Shales. “He’s anti-talented, a professional ‘personality.’” (More Ryan Seacrest stories.)