NBC Re-Ups for Miss Universe & Miss USA Pageants

NEW YORK/UNIVERSAL CITY: NBC has renewed its exclusive agreement with Donald Trump and the Miss Universe Organization to broadcast the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants for an additional three years, effective in 2011.

Telemundo will also continue its Spanish-language simulcast of the Miss Universe pageant, along with its lead-in special Camino a la Corona. The 2010 Miss USA Pageant is set to air live on NBC on May 16 at 7 p.m. from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

"There’s been renewed interest in this series of beauty pageants, especially among a new generation of younger viewers," said Paul Telegdy, the executive VP of alternative programming and production at NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "NBC is proud to maintain this unique American cultural tradition as a viable series of competitive programming specials that continue to be a popular source of entertainment."

"I am honored to continue this partnership with NBC," said Trump. "The Miss Universe Organization continues to outshine its competitors by showcasing the most beautiful women in some of the most exotic locations around the world on the best television networks. Last year The 2009 Miss Universe Pageant alone was seen in over 195 countries worldwide and The 2009 Miss USA Pageant was viewed in 100. There are very few live worldwide broadcasts that come close to competing with Miss USA and Miss Universe."

"NBC continues to be a wonderful broadcast partner," added Miss Universe Organization’s president, Paula M. Shugart. "Together over the past eight years we have proven these pageants continue to be relevant in the worldwide marketplace. Telemundo’s Spanish-language simulcast and preshow have added to the glamour and glitz of one of the most well known, sought after organizations in the world, the Miss Universe Organization."