Neil Patrick Harris closes in on Emmys gig

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS is close to signing "How I Met Your Mother" co-star Neil Patrick Harris to host this year's Emmys.

The two-time Emmy nominee is fresh off a well-received stint as host of the Tonys, telecast by CBS in June.

The 61st annual Emmys will be broadcast September 20.

The event is under pressure to stage a turnaround this year. Ratings for the Academy Awards, MTV Awards, Tonys, Grammys and Country Music Awards have increased during their most recent airings, while the perpetually sinking Emmys last year hit an all-time viewership low.