NBCUniversal has formally announced its deal with former ESPN anchor and corespondent Michelle Beadle. Earlier this month we noted that NBC was the likely destination for Beadle, though the exact role was undefined.
Rather than co-host NBCU’s syndicated entertainment news show “Access Hollywood,” Beadle will serve as a correspondent, and will cover all of the major red carpet events. Beadle will also serve as a correspondent for NBC’s big sporting events, including the NFL Kickoff and the horse racing Triple Crown. The NBC Sports Network will also be developing a new show for Beadle.
The agreement is not unlike another recent deal NBCU made with a high-profile talent, albeit on a smaller scale.
“Similar to the agreement with Ryan Seacrest, this is another great example of attracting a talent who can contribute across multiple NBCUniversal platforms,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group in a statement.
More information, after the jump.
NBCUNIVERSAL ANNOUNCES NEW MULTI-PLATFORM AGREEMENT WITH SEASONED BROADCASTER MICHELLE BEADLE
Beadle to Contribute to “Access Hollywood” and Several NBC Sports Group Platforms Including a Role at the London Olympic Games
NEW YORK – May 21, 2012 – NBCUniversal and former ESPN personality Michelle Beadle have forged a new multi-platform agreement that includes on-air duties for “Access Hollywood” and the NBC Sports Group.
Beadle, who will be based in New York, will serve as a correspondent for the nationally syndicated entertainment news program, “Access Hollywood,” which is anchored by Billy Bush. Beadle will cover all major red carpet events, including movie premieres and fashion week, plus report on all breaking Hollywood news. Beadle will also serve as a correspondent for NBC Sports Group’s big-event properties including this summer’s London Olympic Games, which she will also be covering for “Access Hollywood.” Beadle will also have a role in the 2012 NFL Kickoff and Horse Racing’s Triple Crown, as well as other NBC Sports Network programs. As part of the agreement, NBC Sports Group will develop new programming for NBC Sports Network featuring Beadle.
“Michelle Beadle is a perfect fit for ‘Access Hollywood’. She is a tremendous broadcaster, smart, clever with a terrific sense of humor,” said Rob K. Silverstein, Executive Producer of “Access Hollywood.” “Michelle’s sensibility will help Access to continue to separate itself from the pack.”
“I am thrilled to join the NBCUniversal family and to have the opportunity to work alongside many of the most talented and accomplished individuals in the business,” said Beadle. “This gig is the perfect blend of the two things I am most passionate about – sports and pop culture. I look forward to getting back to New York City and immersing myself into a myriad of NBCUniversal platforms, while trying to kick ass and have some fun along the way.”
“Similar to the agreement with Ryan Seacrest, this is another great example of attracting a talent who can contribute across multiple NBCUniversal platforms,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group
“Michelle’s energy and enthusiasm, coupled with her love and knowledge of sports, make her a perfect fit for the NBC Sports Group,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “She has a likability that pops through the screen, and we are excited to be able to feature her across multiple properties and events.”
Beadle joins NBCUniversal from ESPN where she most recently served as co-host of the studio show “SportsNation” on ESPN2, appeared on 1050 ESPN New York as the New York “SportsCenter” anchor for ESPN Radio’s “The Michael Kay Show,” and co-hosted “Winners Bracket” for ESPN Sports Saturday on ABC.
Prior to ESPN, Beadle worked on-air for YES Network, where she served as the pre- and post-game reporter for New Jersey Nets basketball telecasts, and as a studio anchor, reporter and host on shows such as the Emmy Award-winning “Ultimate Road Trip;” “SportsLife NYC;” and “Yankees on Deck.”
In addition to her work at YES, Beadle was hired in 2007 by People Magazine and People.com, where she hosted the online feature What You Missed over the Weekend, and served as a Red Carpet reporter for the Golden Globes, Grammy Awards, SAG Awards and the Tony Awards.
Beadle hosted the Major League Baseball Production’s magazine show “Cathedrals of the Game,” and was a feature reporter for the NFL Films syndicated program “NFL Under the Helmet.”
Beadle previously was a primary host and anchor for College Sports Television (CSTV), where she co-hosted the network’s flagship program, “The #1 College Sports Show,” in addition to CSTV pre- and postgame sports shows and specials.
Also, she hosted the Animal Planet series “Animal Planet Report;” co-hosted the Travel Channel’s Beach Week series; hosted the Discovery Channel reality series “Get Packing” and the network’s one-hour specials “Inside Orlando’s Resorts” and “Outrageous Room Service;” and hosted “I Want Your Job,” an original series on the Fine Living Network.
The deal for Beadle was brokered by Creative Artists Agency (CAA).