NBC'S APPRENTICE FINALE LIVE FROM NYU MAY 19; TRUMP "RE-HIRES" BILL RANCIC

NBC'S "APPRENTICE" SEASON THREE FINALE TO TELECAST LIVE FROM NYU'S SKIRBALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ON THURSDAY, MAY 19, 9-10PM ET/PT

Donald Trump Re-Hires Bill Rancic for Year Two and Invites him Back to the Apprentice Boardroom for Season Four

NEW YORK -- April 12, 2005 -- NBC announced today that the season three finale of "The Apprentice" will be broadcast live from NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, May 19 from 9-10 p.m. ET/PT. The hour-long finale will feature the culmination of the final two tasks and the eagerly anticipated live boardroom hiring. NBC's Thursday night also will be highlighted by the season finale of "ER" including the emotional departure of original cast member Noah Wyle as a series regular.

"I was very insistent on having a one-hour finale this season," said Donald Trump, Executive Producer. "Viewers want the live boardroom and they want to witness the excitement of the hiring. And that will be our focus this season-the completion of the task and the final live boardroom showdown."

Making the announcement from the atrium of Trump Tower in New York City, Trump revealed today that Bill Rancic, the original "Apprentice" winner whose one-year contract expires on April 15, would receive a one-year contract extension with The Trump Organization. In addition to Rancic's existing responsibilities overseeing the construction of Trump Tower in Chicago, his expanded duties will include strategic development of other Trump properties across the country and in Mexico. Trump also confirmed that Rancic would return to the boardroom during season four of "The Apprentice," filling in for George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher when they are on business trips.

"Bill has done an incredible job in the past year working for me," said Trump. "He's so talented that I thought he might want to go out on his own and make millions. We're lucky to have him back for another year and I can rest assured that my Chicago project is in the best of hands."

"I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Trump has afforded me in the past year," said Rancic. "He has truly taken me under his wing and exposed me to his distinct and incredibly successful way of doing business. It will be a privilege to spend another year with him."

"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump and Jay Bienstock are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Kevin Harris are co-executive producers. Al Berman is executive producer of the live finale.