"THE MORE YOU KNOW" AND COSMOGIRL! LAUNCH CONTEST

NBC'S "THE MORE YOU KNOW" AND COSMOGIRL! LAUNCH A WRITING CONTEST FOR TEENS

Winning Spot Will Air on the NBC Television Network and Star Mariska Hargitay

If you are a teenager who has always dreamed of writing your own television script, now's your big chance. NBC's "The More You Know" and CosmoGIRL! magazine are launching a public service announcement (PSA) writing contest. Teens ages 13-21 will have the opportunity to write a PSA on the topic of self-esteem, as well as an essay on the subject. The winning script will be produced and broadcast on the NBC television network, and will feature Golden Globe winner Mariska Hargitay of "Law & Order: SVU."

"Through the many real�life issues addressed in 'Law & Order: SVU,' I have become strongly aware of the importance of self-esteem among young women," said Hargitay. "'The More You Know' is the perfect platform to help spread this message, and I'm delighted to be a part of such an exciting and meaningful contest."

Additional contest prizes include a family vacation to Universal Orlando Resort for four people, tickets to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures, as well as VIP Tours of both parks. The winner and an accompanying adult will also be flown to New York for a set visit to "Law & Order: SVU."

"We are thrilled to be partnering with CosmoGIRL! and Mariska Hargitay on this unique contest," said Susan Haspel, executive producer and co-creator of "The More You Know." "Building self-esteem is a critically important issue, particularly for teens, and this contest is a creative, fun way to get the message out."

"Self-esteem is an issue that resonates with CosmoGIRL!'s readers. The opportunity to write a PSA on this topic for such a well-respected public service campaign will be both rewarding and exciting," said Susan Schulz, editor-in-chief of CosmoGIRL!

The contest launches August 8th in the September issue of CosmoGIRL!. Teens can go to www.CosmoGIRL.com or www.NBC.com to enter and get contest details. Ten finalists will be selected through online voting on CosmoGIRL.com. A team of judges from NBC and CosmoGIRL! will then choose the winner from the pool of finalists. The winner will be announced on September 12th. The winning PSA, featuring Mariska Hargitay, will air on NBC this Fall. This marks Mariska's sixth season participating in "The More You Know," and she continues to be an advocate for self-esteem.

"The More You Know" (www.themoreyouknow.com) is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning public service campaign, which reflects NBC's long-standing commitment to its viewers and their communities to help educate and raise awareness of important social issues. Since 1989, "The More You Know's" creative and innovative public service announcements have effectively communicated messages ranging from parental involvement to prejudice.

CosmoGIRL! is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com), and one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with a total of 20 U.S. titles and 145 international editions. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (76.3 million according to MRI, spring 2005). The company also publishes 19 magazines in the United Kingdom through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited.