THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION CELEBRATES ITS 90th ANNIVERSARY
AND RETURNS TO THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK
Multi-Year Deal Announced for Telecast Rights to “The Miss America Pageant”
First Pageant to Air on ABC in January 2011
The Miss America Organization (MAO) is proud to announce it has reached a multi-year deal with the ABC Television Network and will return to the network for the 2011 Miss America Pageant, to be presented in January 2011. The news was announced today by Sam Haskell, III, Board Chairman for the Miss America Organization and MAO President & CEO Art McMaster. ABC aired the Miss America Pageant previously in 2004 and will once again retain the exclusive telecast rights through 2013.
“After thorough discussions and negotiations, we are confident that Miss America has reunited with the perfect network partner, ABC, which shares many of our same ideals and tradition,” said Haskell. “Miss America’s move back to network television is perfect timing as we celebrate our special 90th anniversary and look ahead to reach new heights and create a new path for the future of Miss America. Our brand is so rich in both philanthropy and history, and this new multi-year partnership will not only preserve this great institution, but it will also mark a new milestone in television with our friends at ABC.”
“We’re thrilled to have the Miss America pageant back on ABC and for the opportunity to be a part of this historic tradition,” said Vicki Dummer and John Saade, Senior Vice Presidents, Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment Group. “We look forward to working with the Miss America Organization for years to come.”
Art McMaster, President and CEO for Miss America Organization, said: “MAO will maintain and oversee the creative direction of the pageant with the addition of the award-winning production company, Tall Pony Productions, with Anthony Eaton as the Executive Producer.” He added, “‘Miss America is one of this country’s great enduring institutions, and creatively we are introducing new ways to honor the pageant’s rich tradition, while also producing a spectacular show that will offer true entertainment appeal to ABC’s viewers.”
Last year the Miss America pageant telecast experienced new record growth, with it’s highest-ever ratings on cable television.
MAO proudly acknowledges Mark Pedowitz of Pinestreet Entertainment, John Ferriter of Octagon Entertainment, and Billy Goldberg and Kevin Kroos of The Buckeye Group for their efforts on this television partnership.