There are few worse things that I can think of for TV than this: An Emmy awards show hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Seacrest hater. I think he's a fine host for "American Idol," but to have a representative of a reality show as the HOST of an awards show honoring the best in TV, it just doesn't seem right. A lot of viewers already frown on TV because of the reality turn it's taken, this only cements in their minds that TV is a wasteland.

Then there's the entertainment value: We know Seacrest can tease audiences like nobody's business ("We'll find out ... right after this!"), but an awards show host needs to be funny. It's a convention of the genre. Seacrest has shown no evidence that he's a comic genius -- at least not intentionally.

Here's Fox's release:

RYAN SEACREST TO HOST

"59TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS"

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, ON FOX

Ryan Seacrest will host the 59TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS airing live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 16 (8:00-11:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, FOX, said: "Ryan Seacrest is known and loved by television audiences around the world. His work on AMERICAN IDOL is unparalleled in the industry. He's a consummate host of major live broadcast events and a proven talent who always makes it look easy, which makes him the perfect choice for this year's Emmy telecast."

"Ryan Seacrest appeals to a broad audience, including the highly desirable young adult demographic, so he should serve as a magnet for attracting a diverse array of viewers to our Emmy telecast," said Dick Askin, Chairman and CEO of the Television Academy. "He is charismatic and talented, and he will be very comfortable in the production environment that has been created for this year's telecast."

Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the 59TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS, said: "I'm excited about working with Ryan. This year's show will be different in a number of ways; the freshness, enthusiasm and professionalism that Ryan brings to everything he does will be a perfect match for some of the innovative things we have planned. I've watched Ryan's growth on live events with great delight, and we're going to have a great time with him on the Emmys."

Seacrest is the host of AMERICAN IDOL and currently serves as managing editor and lead anchor for "E! News." He will host the entertainment portion of FOX's Super Bowl broadcast this winter, marking the first time the event has featured a host and red carpet pre-game coverage. Seacrest also serves as executive producer and host of E!'s "Live From the Red Carpet" specials, the radio countdown show "American Top 40" and Los Angeles' No. 1 morning drivetime radio show, "On Air With Ryan Seacrest," all under his Ryan Seacrest Production banner. Seacrest also executive-produces and co-hosts "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" live from Times Square in New York.

Seacrest's hosting credits also include his recurring role as guest host on "Larry King Live," "The Billboard Music Awards" and "Radio Music Awards." Originally from Atlanta, Seacrest began his professional career in broadcasting at the age of 16, when he interned at WSTR/STAR 94 in Atlanta.

Seacrest is represented by the William Morris Agency.

Produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures LLC, the 59TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS on FOX will originate from the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.