ABC AND DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH RYAN SEACREST

Seacrest Will Continue to Co-Host the Newly-Titled "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest"

Ryan Seacrest will continue as co-host and one of the executive producers of ABC's iconic New Year's programming when the newly-titled special, "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," airs this holiday season. Ryan joined the show December 31, 2005 (ringing in 2006). Dick Clark will also continue to co-host and executive-produce the popular program.

"Watching 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve' is an American tradition. Ryan has been a tremendous part of the show the last couple of years and we're thrilled he'll be part of it for years to come," said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment.

"The name change of the program to 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest' reflects the success of the co-hosting responsibilities of one of America's most time-honored traditions. We are thrilled to extend Ryan's contract as co-host of the 'party of the year' with Dick," stated Orly Adelson, executive producer and president of dick clark productions.

TV's No. 1 New Year's show each year, the special handily beat its combined network competition last year when 29 million viewers tuned in to watch the ball drop at midnight on ABC. The telecast traditionally ranks among top programs on all of television during the week it airs, and last year the show featured performances in Times Square by Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers and Carrie Underwood. The popular Hollywood party segments were hosted by Fergie. The primetime portion of the show achieved its highest viewership in six years.

The show marks its 37th anniversary Wednesday, December 31, 2008 when Ryan and Dick Clark lead America into the New Year at 10:00 p.m., ET with three-and-a-half hours of specials and the legendary countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City.

The specials are presentations of dick clark productions, inc. Executive producers are Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest and Orly Adelson. Larry Klein produces.