RYAN SEACREST TO JOIN DICK CLARK ON "DICK CLARK'S NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE" LIVE FROM TIMES SQUARE ON ABC-TV

Beginning of Long-Term Deal for Seacrest to Eventually Take Over as Sole Host.

A classic holiday tradition adds a new face, but keeps its heart and soul, as Ryan Seacrest has been tapped in a long-term deal to executive-produce and join Dick Clark co-hosting the 34th edition of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," live from Times Square in New York on December 31 on the ABC Television Network. No stranger to New Years, Seacrest will move over to ABC in a multi-year deal to occupy the co-host post and eventually take over as sole host.

Clark, who returns to the festivities after missing last year's show, as he was recovering from a stroke, stated: "It will be good to be back in New York again for New Year's, and I'm elated that Ryan has agreed to join me in ushering in New Year's on America's favorite holiday special. This also gives me the opportunity to welcome him to the position."

"We're ecstatic that Dick will be back where he belongs," said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment. "The addition of Ryan Seacrest's tremendous energy and universal appeal make him perfect for this show that is truly an American tradition. We're thrilled to have Ryan joining our 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' family, and look forward to seeing him in Times Square for many years to come."

Allen Shapiro, CEO of dick clark productions, inc. noted: "It gives us great pleasure to be in business with Ryan, and plan for this to be the first of many opportunities that we'll have to work together."

Added Ryan Seacrest: "I am very grateful to be part of this institution. Dick Clark is an American icon. I am honored that he has entrusted me with such a role in this national tradition."

Dick Clark is one of the most recognized and popular personalities in entertainment in America. He is also one of the entertainment industry's most successful and well-regarded business executives. dick clark productions is a leading independent producer of a wide range of television programming for broadcast networks, cable networks, distributors and advertisers. The company has produced thousands of shows and specials in all genres and for all dayparts, including such perennial hits as the "American Music Awards," the "Golden Globes Awards," the "Bloopers" specials and series, the "Daytime Emmy Awards," the "Academy of Country Music Awards" and, in conjunction with 19 Entertainment, the current hit series "So You Think You Can Dance," among others.

Ryan Seacrest became a household name in 2002 as the host of "American Idol" and has continued his reign through the television phenomenon's fourth season and is gearing up for a fifth. He has a long history as a popular radio personality and, since he took over the KIIS FM morning radio show, it has catapulted to No. 1 in the Los Angles market. Because of his notoriety in radio, Seacrest recently took over for Casey Kasem as the host of the radio institution "American Top 40." Since his "Idol" success, he has hosted such top programs as "The Radio Music Awards," "The Billboard Music Awards," as well as a series of specials that he executive-produced under his production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP). The RSP umbrella includes part ownership in many LA and Las Vegas hot spots, as well as the clothing venture with JEM sportswear/Awake labeled The R Line.

The broadcast traditionally consists of three specials starting at 10:00 p.m. ET, on December 31. In all there will be three-and-a-half hours of special New Year's Eve programming, including performances from hit music acts emanating from Hollywood and the live dropping of the ball in Times Square. The show traditionally out-rates all of the other network competitive programming combined, and for many years has been the highest rated entertainment program for the entire week surrounding New Year's.

The specials are presentations of dick clark productions, inc. Dick Clark, Allen Shapiro and Ryan Seacrest are the executive producers. Larry Klein poduces and Barry Glazer directs. New York segments are directed by Bob McKinnon. Writer is Barry Adelman. Production designer is Bruce Ryan. Executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo. Executive in charge of talent is Amy Striebel. Fran La Maina is executive in charge.