Here's the press release from "Access Hollywood":
NANCY O’DELL AND BILLY BUSH SET AS NEW CO-ANCHORS OF 'ACCESS HOLLYWOOD'
June 16, 2004
O’Dell Renews Contract To Remain As Co-Anchor Into Newsmagazine’s Second Decade
Bush to Move From New York to Los Angeles for New Post
Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush have been named the new co-anchors of "Access Hollywood," it was announced today by Barry Wallach, President, NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution and Rob Silverstein, Executive Producer, "Access Hollywood."
"Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush are the perfect team to take 'Access Hollywood' into our second decade," says Silverstein. "Nancy has proven over the past eight years to be the preeminent entertainment news journalist and the best celebrity interviewer in the business, while Billy in just two short years, has been a game changer. The teaming of Nancy and Billy is the perfect fit for 'Access Hollywood,' as we continue to add stations and watch the ratings grow."
Silverstein added, "We'd like to thank Pat O'Brien for his seven years on the show. Without him, we wouldn't have reached the place we are today."
O'Dell, who was on the original team that launched "Access Hollywood" eight years ago, has extended her contract into the show's second decade to remain as co-anchor of the hit entertainment newsmagazine. Bush, who most recently served as the show's East Coast Correspondent, will re-locate from New York to Los Angeles for his newly appointed position. Shaun Robinson and Tony Potts will continue to serve as weekend co-anchors and correspondents for "Access Hollywood."
"Nancy and Billy represent the future of 'Access Hollywood' and we are very excited to have them at the helm of our franchise magazine series," says Wallach. "Nancy has proven her talent over the last eight years and Billy has become an important part of the show over the course of the last few seasons. Having just completed our highest May sweep ever and with all-time record access time period clearances, 'Access Hollywood' is in a great position as it heads into its ninth season."
O'Dell, who was named one of Electronic Media's 10 Most Bankable Stars in Syndication, was part of "Access Hollywood's" on-air team when the show launched in 1996, serving as weekend co-anchor and weekday correspondent. In January 1999, O'Dell was promoted to co-anchor, and has since earned a reputation as one of Hollywood's leading entertainment journalists. In addition to her on-air duties at "Access Hollywood," O'Dell contributes reports to both NBC News' "Today" show, and "Dateline."
Before joining "Access Hollywood," O'Dell served as co-anchor and investigative reporter for NBC's Miami station, WTVJ-TV. Prior to that she worked as a morning news anchor and crime reporter at WCBD-TV in Charleston, S.C. O'Dell began her broadcast career as a reporter and anchor at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
A native of South Carolina, she was inducted into that state's Hall of Fame in 1998 as the youngest member ever in recognition of her journalistic success. O'Dell is a summa cum laude honors graduate of Clemson University.
Bush joined "Access Hollywood" as its East Coast Correspondent in December 2001, and has quickly gained notoriety among the Hollywood elite for his engaging, witty and spontaneous reporting style. In addition to his on-air duties at "Access Hollywood," Bush also contributes reports to NBC News "Today" show.
Before joining "Access Hollywood," Bush was a correspondent for WNBC-TV's "Today in New York," morning show. Prior to making the move to television, Bush served as host of WWZZ-FM's "Billy Bush and the Bush League Morning Show" in Washington, D.C. He began his broadcast career hosting the afternoon drive show on WLKZ-FM in New Hampshire.
Bush earned a bachelor's degree in International Studies and Government at Colby College in Maine, where he was a two-time captain of the men's lacrosse team. He will soon reside in Los Angeles with his wife, Sydney and their two daughters.
"Access Hollywood" is produced by NBC and distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. Rob K. Silverstein is the executive producer.
Edited by Rydell, Jun 26, 2004 @ 4:55 PM.
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