Miss America Returns to ABC

LINWOOD: After five years on cable (CMT and TLC), the Miss America Pageant is returning to network television via a multi-year deal with ABC.

ABC, which hasn’t aired the pageant since 2004, is due to broadcast Miss America 2011 on January 15, clinching the exclusive U.S. telecast rights through 2013.

"After thorough discussions and negotiations, we are confident that Miss America has reunited with the perfect network partner, ABC, which shares many of our same ideals and tradition," said Sam Haskell, board chairman of the Miss America Organization. "Miss America’s move back to network television is perfect timing as we celebrate our special 90th anniversary and look ahead to reach new heights and create a new path for the future of Miss America. Our brand is so rich in both philanthropy and history, and this new multi-year partnership will not only preserve this great institution, but it will also mark a new milestone in television with our friends at ABC."

The pageant experience its highest-ever ratings on cable last year and is looking to continue those gains in its return to the network-TV space.