TLC GIVES MISS AMERICA A MAKEOVER IN ORIGINAL REALITY PROGRAM MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK

-- Michael Urie from ABC's "Ugly Betty" to Host Four-part HD Special Premiering January 4, Leading up to the Miss America LIVE! Finale on January 26 --

Los Angeles, CA -- TLC ushers this classic television event into the modern era with the new four-part reality special MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK. Michael Urie (ABC's "Ugly Betty") is tapped to host the programs, premiering January 4 at 10 PM (ET/PT) and airing consecutive Friday nights leading up to the MISS AMERICA LIVE! finale on Saturday, January 26, 8-10 PM (ET live/PT tape-delayed). MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK was shot in high definition and can be viewed on the TLC HD simulcast.

For the first time in history, MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK brings all 52 beauty queens together to live under one roof to undo everything they have learned about pageant basics and determine if their smarts, attitudes and looks hold up in contemporary society. Led by host Urie, the girls participate in an intense set of events and challenges designed to prepare them for the finale event, a renewed competition that will redefine what it takes to be Miss America, a relatable and individual it girl' who can connect with today's modern woman.

MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK calls on tastemakers to lead the hopefuls through their journey as they learn the latest trends, newest hairstyles and how to represent themselves as role models in today's modern world. Throughout the episodes, the girls will be critiqued on their progress by an elite advisory board comprised of celebrity stylist Jeanie Mae, Us Weekly editor Dina Sansing, and celebrity photographer Mark Liddell.

Additionally, special guests will share their area of expertise with the contestants including the current Miss America Lauren Nelson, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly from TLC's hit show "What Not to Wear," world-renowned make-up artist Napoleon Perdis, celebrity hairstylist Kim Vo, choreographer Fred Tallaksen, and fashion expert Randolph Duke.

"The Miss America of today is more than a pretty face," says Brant Pinvidic, senior vice president of programming for TLC. "These are remarkable women who have made great contributions to their communities. We want to give America the chance to get to know these women and follow their journey as they strive to obtain the Miss America title on January 26 in Las Vegas." MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK is produced by PB&J Television for TLC. Executive Producers for PB&J are Patty Ivins and Julie Pizzi. TLC's HD simulcast service is available nationwide on DirecTV and DISH Network and via numerous local cable and telco providers.

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20071205tlc01

Mark Steines of Entertainment Tonight to Host 2008 Miss America Live! Event

- 2008 MISS AMERICA LIVE- Broadcast for the First Time in High Definition -
Airs Saturday, January 26, on TLC -

December 17, 2007: 11:00 AM EST


LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miss America Organization and TLC announced today that Entertainment Tonight co-anchor and correspondent Mark Steines will host the 2008 Miss America Live! airing from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). The two-hour HD event airs as the finale to MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK, a four-part special designed to prep the 52 hopefuls for a renewed competition that will redefine what it takes to be Miss America, a relatable "it girl" who can connect with today's modern woman.

From small town Iowa to the red carpets of Hollywood, Emmy-winning journalist Mark Steines has established himself as one of the most trusted and charismatic figures in entertainment news today with his sincerity and signature charm.

Art McMaster, President and CEO for the Miss America Organization stated, "Mark is the perfect choice to host our event. We know that his dedication and commitment to the Miss America program will shine through, and given the fact that Mark is married to one of our most beloved Miss America's, Leanza Cornett, he already offers a great appreciation for the show."

"Mark has been at the forefront of television entertainment news for over a decade, interviewing some of Hollywood's biggest names," says Brant Pinvidic, senior vice president of programming for TLC. It's only natural that he would host one of television's biggest events featuring America's next generation of celebrities."

Steines has garnered numerous journalistic honors and accolades, such as four Emmy nominations resulting in three Emmy wins. He was awarded with a National Iris Award for outstanding reporting and garnered national recognition by the Women's Sports Foundation. Steines was also named one of People Magazine's "Sexist Men in 2004."

Also an actor, Steines has appeared on such television shows as "CSI: NY," "Half & Half," "America's Next Top Model", "Suddenly Susan" and "The Practice" as well as in Sony Pictures NIXON, among others. He recently lent his voice to the hit Disney Channel cartoon "Handy Manny" opposite Wilmer Valderrama, and has performed on stage in an Alhambra Theater production of "Barefoot in the Park."

The Miss America Organization and TLC have teamed Grammy Award-winning producer Anthony Eaton and Emmy Award-winning director Bruce Gowers to helm the 2008 Miss America Live! event.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NEM06217122007-1.htm

Other than a few pagent moms in the Deep South, there is little national interest in the MAPS. The Arkansas director in an interview admitted recently that some "Miss Arkansas" (the Arkansas preliminary to Miss America) preliminaries barely have enough contestants to hold events.

Miss America will never be HD on a Big Four Network...