BURBANK, Calif. – June 12, 2008 - NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" continues its 2008 "Mercedes-Benz Summer Concert Series" with performances from American Idol winner David Cook (June 12), Jewel (June 17), The Time (July 11), Coldplay (July 17), Gnarls Barkley (July 28) and The Jonas Brothers (August 4).

Held in the NBC Studio midway in Burbank, the outdoor concerts feature some of the biggest names in music.

The "Mercedes-Benz Summer Concert Series" on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" promises high-energy performances for the show and interactive components on the show's website. The site for The Mercedes-Benz Summer Concert Series on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is on NBC.com. Users will find weekly band videos, interviews and photos. John Melendez will interview both the musicians and their fans. On select weeks, those logging in will also find exclusive second performances by their favorite musical guests.

Mercedes-Benz has participated in 4 outdoor concerts for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" since May 15 and will continue through August 4 in support of their full lineup of luxury vehicles.

'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' is from Big Dog Productions in association with NBC Universal Studios. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
 

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Lineup Includes Season Premieres of Scare Tactics, Stargate Atlantis and Eureka And New Episodes of Ghost Hunters International

NEW YORK – May 29, 2007 – This summer, SCI FI Channel features the returns of some of cable's hottest shows! On the reality front, viewers can look forward to all-new investigations with the team from the immensely popular Ghost Hunters International as well as the return of the hilariously irreverent Scare Tactics, hosted by comedy superstar Tracy Morgan. The Stargate legacy continues with the premiere of the fifth season of Stargate Atlantis, and SCI FI's record-breaking hit series, Eureka, will return at the end of July with its highly-anticipated third season.


Returning Series Premieres

Ghost Hunters International (New Episodes Premiere July 9, 2008 @ 9 PM) - SCI FI's newest hit reality series will return to the Channel this summer with seven new episodes as part of its first season. After debuting in January as the highest-rated reality telecast in the Channel's history, Ghost Hunters International averaged a 1.6 Household rating and over 2 million total viewers over its seven-episode run this winter. A spin-off of SCI FI's immensely popular Ghost Hunters series, Ghost Hunters International features a squad of real-life "ghost-busters" – ordinary people who investigate and attempt to debunk claims of otherworldly activity. The new team travels the world to different cities each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. The success of its record-breaking debut season cemented Ghost Hunters' place as the #1 paranormal franchise in cable!

For their first round of investigations, the International crew took on some of Europe's most haunted locales, including Chillingham Castle in England and the forgotten underground city of Mary King's Close in Scotland. This summer, the team heads back out to Europe as well as to some notoriously haunted hotspots in New Zealand and South Africa.

Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International are produced in association with Craig Piligian's Pilgrim Films and Television (American Chopper, Dirty Jobs, The Ultimate Fighter). Piligian and Thomas Thayer, along with Rob Katz and Alan David, serve as executive producers.



Scare Tactics (Season 3 Premieres July 9, 2008 @ 10 PM) - An all-new Scare Tactics returns to SCI Fin this time with host Tracy Morgan of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live. The frighteningly funny hidden camera show premieres with two back-to-back brand-new episodes on Wednesday, July 9 @ 10 PM ET/PT.

Set up by friends and loved ones, unsuspecting victims are placed into elaborately staged scary situations involving film-quality special effects, makeup and stunts. The horror hoaxes are skillfully designed to tap into the wildest fears of the prank's prey. Viewers laugh along with the hilarious reactions of the show's "stars" as they are caught off-guard and on-camera.


Stargate Atlantis (Season 5 Premieres July 11, 2008 @ 10 PM) - As Stargate Atlantis moves into its fifth action-packed season, the team of intrepid explorers continue to face peril and uncertainty from within the vast reaches of the Pegasus Galaxy.

The series promises to keep things exciting by introducing a powerful new race, welcoming new cast members and forging new alliances, all while delving deeper into the mysteries of the Pegasus Galaxy. The new 20-episode season will include the series' benchmark 100th episode.

Robert Picardo, known to fans as the International Oversight Committee rep Richard Woolsey, joins the Atlantis cast and assumes command of the Atlantis expedition. Reluctant to step into Colonel Samantha Carter's shoes, Woolsey must deal with new responsibilities and find his way among the crew. The team, led by Lt. Colonel Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), Dr. Rodney McKay (David Hewlett), Teyla (Rachel Luttrell), Ronon (Jason Momoa) and Dr. Jennifer Keller (Jewel Staite), must adjust to his unique leadership style.

Fan favorite Paul McGillion, returns for five episodes to reprise his role as the beloved "Dr. Carson Beckett." Amanda Tapping ("Colonel Samantha Carter"), and Stargate SG-1 star Michael Shanks ("Dr. Daniel Jackson") will also appear as special guest stars this season.


Eureka (Season 3 Premieres July 29, 2008 @ 9 PM) – A small town with big secrets, Eureka is a community of geniuses assembled by the government to conduct top-secret research. What they've unwittingly created is a place where anything imaginable can happen… and does.

With Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) now firmly installed as Eureka's sheriff, there's still much he doesn't know about the goings-on at top secret research facility Global Dynamics, but each time havoc is unleashed it usually leads Carter back to the lab.

Season three delves deeper into the classified, inner-workings of Global Dynamics and continues to explore the intertwined personal relationships of Eureka's colorful and quirky residents. New among the townspeople this season is Eva Thorne, aka "The Fixer" (Frances Fisher, Titanic), whose mission is to clean up Global Dynamics.


Joining Fisher for season 3 are returning stars Salli Richardson as Allison Blake, Joe Morton as Henry Deacon, Ed Quinn as Dr. Nathan Stark, Jordan Hinson as Zoe Carter, Erica Cerra as Deputy Jo Lupo, and Neil Grayston as Douglas Fargo.

Eureka is a SCI FI Channel presentation and is produced by NBC Universal Cable Studio.


SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
 

HIT DRAMA SERIES 'HEROES' RETURNS FOR AN ENTIRE NIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 22

'KATH & KIM' JOINS THE THURSDAY NIGHT COMEDY BLOCK (9:30-10 P.M. ET) BEGINNING OCTOBER 9

THE NEW EXTREME COMPETITION SERIES 'AMERICA'S TOUGHEST JOBS' FROM CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER THOM BEERS ("ICE ROAD TRUCKERS") AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS GAIL BERMAN AND LLOYD BRAUN, PREMIERES THIS FALL BEGINNING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

NEW DRAMA SERIES PREMIERES INCLUDE 'KNIGHT RIDER' (SEPTEMBER 24), 'MY OWN WORST ENEMY' (SEPTEMBER 29) AND 'CRUSOE' (OCTOBER 17)

BURBANK -- May 23, 2008 -- NBC unveils the Fall 2008 series premiere dates for new programs and returning favorites including a three hour launch of the hit drama "Heroes" on Monday, September 22, the Thursday night debut of the new comedy "Kath & Kim" (9:30-10 p.m. ET) on October 9. "America's Toughest Jobs," the new extreme competition series, will debut with a two-hour premiere this Fall on September 12 (8-10 p.m. ET). In addition, the new drama series premieres include "Knight Rider" on September 24 (8-9 p.m. ET), "My Own Worst Enemy" on September 29 (10-11 p.m. ET) and "Crusoe" on October 17 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The announcements were made by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

On April 2, NBC previously announced Fall, Winter and Summer nightly schedules for the 2008-09 broadcast year, allowing the advertisers to plan their media strategies for the 52-week schedule.

The eagerly anticipated return of "Heroes" launches with three hours in primetime on Monday, September 22 (8-9 p.m. ET) with an hour-long compilation show that will lead into a spectacular all new, two-hour premiere (9-11 p.m. ET). Second-year drama "Chuck," starring Zachary Levi as an unlikely security risk, returns on Monday, September 29 (8-9 p.m. ET) preceding the series premiere of the new drama "My Own Worst Enemy" (10-11 p.m. ET), starring Christian Slater as a seemingly simple man with a radically split personality.

The new comedy "Kath & Kim," starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, joins the comedy block on Thursdays, beginning October 9 (9:30-10 p.m. ET). The series is based on the most successful comedy in Australia of the same name. An expanded two-hour edition of "The Biggest Loser: Families" (8-10 p.m. ET) will air on Tuesdays, after "America's Got Talent" concludes its run.

Also new to the Fall schedule is "America's Toughest Jobs" (previously announced for Summer 2009), a new extreme competition series from creator/executive producer Thom Beers ("Ice Road Truckers") and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. The series will debut with a two-hour episode on Friday, September 12 (8-10 p.m. ET) and return the next week at 8-9 p.m. (ET) for five weeks before resuming from 9-10 p.m. (ET) beginning October 24.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (10-11 p.m. ET) will round out the night with its 10th season premiere beginning September 23.

The new drama "Knight Rider" (8-9 p.m. ET) will kick off Wednesdays starting September 24 followed by the dramedy "Lipstick Jungle," starring Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Lindsay Price, which returns for its second season on the same night (10-11 p.m. ET). NBC's hit game show "Deal or No Deal" also returns with fresh episodes on Wednesdays after "America's Got Talent" concludes.

Thursday night comedy favorites return with a one-hour premiere of the fourth season of "My Name Is Earl" on September 25 (8-9 p.m. ET) followed by the one-hour season premiere of the Emmy Award-winning "The Office" (9-10 p.m. ET). "ER" begins its 15th and final season on Thursday, September 25 (10-11 p.m. ET). The new comedy "Kath & Kim," starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair premieres Thursday, October 9 (9:30-10 p.m. ET) and the Emmy-winning "30 Rock," starring Tina Fey ("Baby Mama") and Emmy winner Alec Baldwin, begins its third season on Thursday, October 30 (8:30-9 p.m. ET).

Preceding the premiere of "30 Rock" will be three consecutive weekly "Saturday Night Live" special election editions of "SNL Thursday Night Live" (8:30-9 p.m. ET) on Thursday, October 9, 16 and 23.

"Life" resumes its second season on Friday, October 3 (10-11 p.m. ET) in the drama starring Damian Lewis as a wrongly imprisoned police detective who returns to the force searching for justice. "Crusoe," the action-adventure, contemporary re-telling of the classic Daniel Defoe novel "Robinson Crusoe," will debut on in a special two-hour premiere on Friday, October 17 (8-10 p.m. ET). "America's Toughest Jobs" will air in its regularly scheduled timeslot (8-9 p.m. ET) on Fridays leading up to the premiere of "Crusoe."

Following is NBC's Fall 2008-09 premiere schedule (all times ET):

*New programs in UPPER CASE (with the exception of "ER")

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
"AMERICA'S TOUGHEST JOBS"
Series premiere (8-10 p.m.)
Returns on September 19 (8-9 p.m.) for five weeks; then resumes from 9-10 p.m. on October 24

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
"Heroes" clip show (8-9 p.m.)
Season premiere (9-11 p.m.)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (10-11 p.m.)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
"KNIGHT RIDER" (8-9 p.m.)
"Lipstick Jungle (10-11 p.m.)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
"My Name Is Earl" -- one-hour premiere (8-9 p.m.)
"The Office" -- one-hour premiere (9-10 p.m.)
"ER" (10-11 p.m.)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
"Chuck" -- (8-9 p.m.)
"MY OWN WORST ENEMY" -- (10-11 p.m.)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
"Life" -- (10-11 p.m.)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
"KATH & KIM" (9:30-10 p.m.)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
"CRUSOE" -- two-hour premiere (8-10 p.m.)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
"30 Rock" -- (8:30-9 p.m.)


NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS:
In "My Own Worst Enemy," Henry Spivey (Christian Slater, "Bobby") is a middle-class efficiency expert living a humdrum life in the suburbs with a wife, two kids, a dog, and a minivan. Edward Albright is an operative who speaks 13 languages, runs a four-minute mile, and is trained to kill with his teeth. Henry and Edward are polar opposites who share only one thing in common -- the same body. When the carefully constructed wall between them breaks down, Henry and Edward are thrust into unfamiliar territory where each man is dangerously out of his element. "My Own Worst Enemy" explores the duality of a man who is literally pitted against himself. And it raises the question: who can you trust when you can't trust yourself? Mike O'Malley ("Yes, Dear") and Saffron Burrows ("Boston Legal") also star. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios. Jason Smilovic ("Kidnapped") is the executive producer; David Semel (director of the "American Dreams," "Heroes" and "Life" pilots) is the director and executive producer.

On the heels of NBC's hit movie, the iconic 1980s television classic comes roaring back to life as a reinvented, updated and super-charged action series showcasing the new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand). Absolutely the coolest car ever created, KITT is equipped with "AI" (artificial intelligence) that is capable of hacking almost any system. Its weapons systems matches that of a jet fighter, and its body is capable of actually transforming into other vehicles and uses sophisticated holographic imagery to elude villains. "Knight Rider" stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars") and Bruce Davison ("Breach"). David Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C."), Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") and Gary Scott Thompson ("Las Vegas," "The Fast and The Furious") are executive producers. Based on characters created by Glen Larson, "Knight Rider" is from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

The new landmark series "Crusoe" is an epic and ambitious take on Daniel Defoe's legendary tale that finds the dashing and resourceful Crusoe (Philip Winchester, "Thunderbirds") after many years of being a castaway on a desert island with his companion Friday (casting to follow). Written by Stephen Gallagher ("Eleventh Hour") and directed by Duane Clark ("CSI: NY"), "Crusoe" follows the adventures of the two island dwellers while looking in flashback at Crusoe's life before he was thrown into an isolated existence filled with danger and adventure. Among those are his tragic childhood with widower father James (Sean Bean, "The Lord of the Rings"), the blossoming relationship with the love of his life, Susannah (Anna Walton "Hell Boy: the Golden Army") and his entrepreneurial aspirations under the watchful eye of family friend, Jeremiah Blackthorn (Sam Neill, "The Tudors," 'Jurassic Park"). Overcoming marauding militias, hungry cannibals, wild cats, starvation and apocalyptic lightning storms on his seemingly idyllic island, Crusoe dreams of the day he will be reunited with his beloved family. The executive producers are Justin Bodle for Power, Michael Prupas for Muse and Genevieve Hofmeyr for Moonlighting.

For "Kath & Kim," they're the most dysfunctional duo in suburbia. Kath Day (Molly Shannon, NBC's "Saturday Night Live") is the mom, a foxy, 40-something divorcée who finally has time for herself and her valiant search for love. Kim Day (Selma Blair, "Hellboy," "Hellboy II") is the daughter, a self-absorbed princess recently separated from her husband who finds consolation in stuffing her face. When Kim decides to move back home, Kath reluctantly agrees -- but to Kim's chagrin, Kath is not about to cater to her every whim as she has in the past. Based on the most successful comedy in Australia of the same name, Kath and Kim are two brassy women who prefer the finer things in life like acrylic nails, big hair and faux diamond chips. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios and Reveille. The executive producer/writer is Michelle Nader ("The King of Queens") and the executive producer/director is Paul Feig ("Freaks and Geeks," "The Office"). Gina Riley, Jane Turner and Rick McKenna also are executive producers.

From creator/executive producer Thom Beers ("Deadliest Catch," "Ice Road Truckers") and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, "America's Toughest Jobs" is a new extreme competition series that will test 12 people who venture out of their safe, comfortable careers and are injected into some of the most challenging, dangerous and demanding jobs on earth. From logging high in the Oregon Forest to oil drilling on the Texas range, or from driving icy roads to extreme fishing -- each job requires guts and stamina, and they'll have to live up to the same standards as the pros. In the end, their new boss and co-workers will determine success or failure, and those who don't make the grade get sent home. Upping the ante, the annual salary of each job will be thrown into the pot until the finale, where one rookie will take home the well-earned cash. Hosted by Josh Temple, "America's Toughest Jobs" is created by executive producer Beers and is produced by Original Productions and BermanBraun.
 

Acquisition Part of a Larger Deal That Includes Rights to Star Trek: The Next Generation Premiering June 2, 2008, Plus Charmed, Early Edition, Mork & Mindy and More…

NEW YORK – May 5, 2008 – SCI FI Channel has secured off-network cable rights to CBS's Emmy-nominated series, Ghost Whisperer, from CBS Television Distribution, it was announced today by Thomas Vitale, SCI FI's Senior Vice President of Programming and Original Movies. SCI FI will launch the series in the fall of 2009.

In addition, SCI FI will have access to shows in the CBS library, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, which will premiere Monday June 2, 2008 on SCI FI, Charmed, Early Edition, Highlander, Friday the Thirteenth: The Series and the classic sitcom Mork & Mindy, among others.

"'Ghost Whisperer' is an incredible addition to SCI FI's programming inventory," said Thomas Vitale. "The paranormal is very popular with our audience, as evidenced by the huge success of our original series 'Ghost Hunters' and 'Ghost Hunters International,' television's most popular paranormal franchise. As part of SCI FI's primetime lineup, 'Ghost Whisperer' will appeal to our existing audience, while bringing in new viewers, including more women."

SCI FI will air Ghost Whisperer in a weekly 4-hour primetime stack beginning in the fall of 2009. SCI FI will be the only place on television to see weekly mini-marathons of the show. The Channel will also schedule programming stunts with full-day marathons. SCI FI will simulcast Ghost Whisperer in HD.

In Ghost Whisperer, Jennifer Love Hewitt stars as Melinda Gordon. Melinda communicates with earthbound spirits, ghosts who cling to the living because they have unfinished business that prevents them from moving beyond the familiar earthy plane of existence. The series is inspired in part by the work of famed mediums James Van Praagh and Mary Ann Winkowski. It explores the spiritual side of life and death as Melinda navigates among the living and the dead in her chilling sometimes heart-rending and sometimes amusing attempts to act as an intermediary between the ghosts and those they haunt.

Ghost Whisperer is produced by Sanders/Moses Productions in association with ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television. It premiered September 23, 2005 on CBS.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
 

STAGGERED LAUNCHES AND PREMIERES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF NBC'S ‘SUPER SEASON’ OF EVENTS INCLUDING THE 2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES AND SUPER BOWL XLIII

WITH ITS EXPANDING COMMITMENT TO YEAR-ROUND ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING, NBC DELIVERS ALMOST TWICE AS MUCH FIRST-RUN ENTERTAINMENT AS THE NETWORK BROADCAST 10 YEARS AGO

FALL, WINTER AND SUMMER SCHEDULES FEATURE NEWCOMERS ‘THE OFFICE’ SPINOFF, ‘MY OWN WORST ENEMY,’ 'KATH & KIM,' 'KNIGHT RIDER', ‘CRUSOE', ‘KINGS,’ ‘THE PHILANTHROPIST,’ ‘MERLIN,’ ‘THE LISTENER,’ ‘SHARK TAGGERS,’ AMERICA’S TOUGHEST JOBS,’ ‘CHOPPING BLOCK’ AND MINISERIES ‘THE LAST TEMPLAR’ AND ‘XIII’

RETURNING SERIES FOR NBC’S 2008-09 TELEVISION SEASON INCLUDE THE ACCLAIMED DRAMAS ‘ER’ -- IN ITS 15TH AND FINAL SEASON -- ‘FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS,’ ‘LIPSTICK JUNGLE’, ‘MEDIUM,’ ‘LAW & ORDER’ AND ‘LAW & ORDER: SVU’


NEW YORK - April 2, 2008 - NBC today unveiled its new Fall lineup for the 2008-09 television season, introducing a schedule earlier than ever that combines some of the most acclaimed and popular returning series on television with four new programs that will join the schedule in the opening weeks of the season, including “Kath & Kim,” “Knight Rider,” “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Crusoe.”

Among the critically hailed series returning to the NBC schedule next season will be “ER,” the most-nominated series in Emmy Award history, returning for its 15th and final season (see separate release) on NBC’s Thursday night lineup, and the acclaimed “Friday Night Lights,” slated to re-join the Friday schedule in February as part of a unique broadcast partnership between NBC and DIRECTV (see separate release).

Additionally, the most highly anticipated comedy of the upcoming season, “The Office” spinoff, from Executive Producer Greg Daniels, will get the highly coveted premiere timeslot post Super Bowl XLIII following a special original telecast of “The Office” (see separate release).

In the first of a series of presentations to key advertisers today at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, NBC also unveiled Winter and Summer schedules for the 2008-09 broadcast year, allowing the advertisers to plan their media strategies for the upcoming year based on a 52-week schedule. Presentations will continue in New York this week and continue in Chicago and Los Angeles through the coming weeks.

The result is that NBC will deliver almost twice as much original entertainment in 2008-09 than it did 10 years ago. There will be year-round original programming on five nights a week at 10-11 p.m. (ET). In addition, NBC has allowed for a better scheduling flow with family shows at 8 p.m., blockbusters at 9 and dramas or mature-themed programs at 10 p.m.

In response to an evolving media marketplace and the changing needs of its advertisers, NBC Universal has created a more innovative, client-centric approach to its traditional Upfront presentation. It will include the announcement of a year-round programming schedule in April; a series of one-on-one client meetings in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago; and a spotlight event on May 12 that will showcase the full scale of the NBCU offerings in a unique, multi-media, interactive environment that will allow advertisers to experience the broad spectrum of marketing opportunities available within the company. The new Upfront process allows NBCU to continue its “customer-first” approach, while working to create new advertising models, define more effective metrics and provide a better return on its clients' investments.

“NBC has established itself as the place to go for the hottest, highest quality programs on television, and now we’re ready to take it to the next level,” said Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. “With many of the very biggest events of the 2008-09 television season on the NBC schedule, like the Beijing Olympic Games, Super Bowl Forty Three, the Golden Globes and a full season of ‘Sunday Night Football,’ all the elements are in place to make this an unforgettable year for NBC, its affiliates, its advertisers and its viewers.”

“Normally the broadcast networks unveil their fall lineups in mid-May, but we’ve got so many terrific plans already in place, there was no reason to wait,” said Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. “The business is changing rapidly and our clients expect us to stay a step ahead of that change, so we’re giving them the chance now to partner with us, start integrating with our shows from the very beginning and map out their strategies a full year into the future. It’s an innovative way to introduce an innovative schedule.”

The roll-out of NBC’s 52-week lineup begins in the Fall, as the debuting drama series “My Own Worst Enemy,” starring Christian Slater, joins “Chuck” and “Heroes” on NBC’s Monday lineup; “Kath & Kim,” a new comedy starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, based on the hit Australian series, teams with “The Biggest Loser: Families” on Tuesdays; and on Wednesdays, “Knight Rider” goes to series, building on the success of last February’s “Knight Rider” movie, the highest-rated movie telecast on any network in three years in adults 18-49. The mid-season dramedy “Lipstick Jungle” will return in the Fall, also on Wednesdays. Drama series “Crusoe,” the hit game show “Deal or No Deal” and “Life” are scheduled to join NBC’s Fall Friday lineup. In addition, NBC will introduce “SNL Thursday Night Live,” which will share time on Thursdays with “The Office” at 9:30-10 p.m. (ET).

Through the winter months, NBC plans to add to its Sunday lineup “Kings,” (starring Golden Globe winner Ian McShane) the ambitious new drama from the producer of “Heroes,” along with the returning drama “Medium” and the exciting fantasy series “Merlin.” On Mondays, NBC adds “The Philanthropist,” a drama concerning a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth to help people. Tuesdays introduces a brand new cycle of “The Biggest Loser: Couples.” “Law & Order” returns to Wednesdays for the series unparalleled 19th season. On Thursdays, comedy reigns with the addition of a new series spinning off the NBC hit “The Office.” “The Celebrity Apprentice” returns in its popular new format on Thursdays. Sundays will be highlighted by special events, including the “66th Annual Golden Globe Awards,” the four-hour miniseries “The Last Templar” (starring Oscar winner Mira Sorvino) and “XIII” (starring Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff).

Key launches and series events will be timed to make maximum promotional use of the big events coming up on the NBC primetime schedule, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in August, “NBC Sunday Night Football” throughout the fall, the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” in November, NFL Wild-Card playoff games and the “66th Annual Golden Globe Awards” in January as well as Super Bowl XLIII in February 2009.

In Summer 2009, NBC is slated to introduce “The Listener,” a new Thursday drama, as well as two new reality series from executive producer Thom Beers (“Ice Road Truckers”) -- “America’s Toughest Jobs,” an action-reality series on Mondays and “Shark Taggers,” an action-adventure reality series on Wednesdays. “Chopping Block” will premiere on Fridays to complement a strong slate of original summer programming. Returning shows that Summer will include “American Gladiators,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Last Comic Standing,” “Monk” and “Nashville Star.”

Sophomore dramas “Chuck,” “Life,” and “Lipstick Jungle” will benefit from an aggressive re-launch in the Fall, and the hit “Heroes” will come back with a bang owing to a major event in the Fall.

Joining the cast of “Life” is Donal Logue ("Grounded for Life") as Captain Brian Tidwell, Crews’ (Damian Lewis) and Reese's (Sarah Shahi) new boss. Tidwell is a seen-it-all New York cop whose weaknesses include the track and the ladies. He isn't going to fit in Los Angeles, and he could care less.

Specific dates for most season and series premieres and other schedule changes will be announced at a later date. In addition, NBC Digital Entertainment today announced its full slate of content for the Summer and Fall seasons (see separate release).


NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2008-09

*New programs in UPPER CASE (with the exception of "ER")

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Chuck"
9-10 p.m. "Heroes"
10-11 p.m. "MY OWN WORST ENEMY"

TUESDAY
8- 9:30 p.m. "The Biggest Loser: Families"
9:30-10 p.m. "KATH & KIM"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER"
9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
10-11 p.m. "Lipstick Jungle"

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl"
8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock"
9- 9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. “The Office”/ “SNL THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE”
10-11 p.m. "ER"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "CRUSOE"
9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
10-11 p.m. "Life"

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. “Dateline NBC”
9-10 p.m. “KNIGHT RIDER” (Encores)
10-11 p.m. “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (Encores)

SUNDAY
7- 8:20 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8:20-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"


NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR WINTER 2009

*New programs in UPPER CASE (with the exception of "ER")

MONDAY
8- 9 p.m. “Chuck”
9-10 p.m. “Heroes”
10-11 p.m. “THE PHILANTHROPIST”

TUESDAY
8- 9:30 p.m. "The Biggest Loser: Couples"
9:30-10 p.m. "KATH & KIM"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "KNIGHT RIDER"
9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order"

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl"
8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock"
9- 9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. “THE OFFICE” SPINOFF
10-11 p.m. "ER"/“The Celebrity Apprentice”

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. “Deal or No Deal”
9-10 p.m. "Friday Night Lights"
10-11 p.m. “Life”

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. “Dateline NBC”
9-10 p.m. “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (Encores)
10-11 p.m. “Law & Order” (Encores)

SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. Specials/"Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. Specials/“MERLIN”
9-10 p.m. Specials/"Medium”
10-11 p.m. Specials/"KINGS"


NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2009

*New programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. “American Gladiators”
9-10 p.m. “AMERICA’S TOUGHEST JOBS”
10-11 p.m. "Dateline NBC"

TUESDAY
9-10 p.m. "America’s Got Talent"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Encores)

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. “SHARK TAGGERS”
9-10 p.m. "America’s Got Talent" (Results Show)
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order" (Encores)

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. "The Office" (Encores)
8:30- 9 p.m. “THE OFFICE” SPINOFF (Encores)
9-10 p.m. "Last Comic Standing"
10-11 p.m. "THE LISTENER”

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "CHOPPING BLOCK”
9-11 p.m. “Dateline NBC”

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. Drama Encores
9-10 p.m. Drama Encores
10-11 p.m. Drama Encores

SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. "Monk"
9-10 p.m. “Nashville Star”
10-11 p.m. “KINGS” (Encores)


2008-09 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS:

NEW DRAMAS

MY OWN WORST ENEMY - Henry Spivey (Christian Slater, “Bobby”) is a middle-class efficiency expert living a humdrum life in the suburbs with a wife, two kids, a dog, and a minivan. Edward Albright is an operative who speaks 13 languages, runs a four-minute mile, and is trained to kill with his teeth. Henry and Edward are polar opposites who share only one thing in common -- the same body. When the carefully constructed wall between them breaks down, Henry and Edward are thrust into unfamiliar territory where each man is dangerously out of his element. “My Own Worst Enemy” explores the duality of a man who is literally pitted against himself. And it raises the question: who can you trust when you can't trust yourself? The series is produced by Universal Media Studios. Jason Smilovic (“Kidnapped”) is the executive producer; David Semel (director of the “American Dreams,” “Heroes” and “Life” pilots) is the director and executive producer.

KNIGHT RIDER - On the heels of NBC's hit movie, the iconic 1980s television classic comes roaring back to life as an updated drama series showcasing the new customized KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) Ford Mustang. As the sequel resumes, KITT is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body -- thanks to its creator's work and nanotechnology -- is capable of actually shifting shape and color. It is the ultimate car -- and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it. "Knight Rider" stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars") and Bruce Davison ("Breach"). David Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C."), Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") and Gary Scott Thompson (“Las Vegas,” “The Fast and The Furious”) are executive producers and David Andron serves as supervising producer and writer. Based on characters created by Glen Larson, “Knight Rider” is from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

CRUSOE - Based on the legendary novel by Daniel Defoe, this is the tale of Robinson Crusoe. A young man leaves his true love to embark on an adventure -- only to end up shipwrecked on a remote tropical island for 28 years, completely detached from the life he once knew. His desire to return to his wife and his strong and unlikely friendship with Friday are the only things that keep him sane. While stranded, Crusoe encounters enemies and braves the elements. Equal parts “MacGyver,” “Castaway” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” this series is an inspirational tale of survival rife with action and comedy. Power Entertainment produces “Crusoe.”

KINGS -- “Kings” is an inspiring exploration of the timeless David vs. Goliath struggle. The show is set in a modern metropolis under siege where the fighting has gone on for too long and cost far too many lives. When David Shepherd (Christopher Egan, “Resident Evil: Extinction”), a brave young soldier, rescues the king’s (Golden Globe winner Ian McShane, “Deadwood”) son from enemy territory, he sets events in motion that will finally bring peace. Suddenly, David is thrust into the limelight, earning the affections of women -- including the king’s daughter. When he’s promoted to captain, he becomes the reluctant poster boy for hope. But for David, the line between his allies and enemies will blur as the power players in the kingdom go to great lengths to see him fall. From the director (Francis Lawrence) of the blockbuster movie “I Am Legend” comes the ultimate story of David vs. Goliath, and there’s no telling who will win. Sebastian Stan (“Gossip Girl”) also stars. “Kings” is a production of Universal Media Studios; Michael Green (NBC’s “Heroes”) is the executive producer. Francis Lawrence (“I Am Legend”) is the director and executive producer and Erwin Stoff (“I Am Legend”) also is executive producer.

MERLIN - “Merlin” brings to life a new legend for a modern audience. “Merlin” is an exciting, hour-long fantasy series set in the mythic city of Camelot -- but inspired by 21st Century storytelling. Before Merlin (Colin Morgan, “Doctor Who”) and Arthur (Bradley James, “Lewis”) became legends, they were ambitious young men looking for adventure, hoping to live up to their family’s expectations, discovering love and finding their own true destiny, making mistakes along the way. The innovative, action-packed drama has cross-generational appeal and paints a picture of Merlin and Arthur’s early life that audiences have never witnessed before. Anthony Head (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Richard Wilson (“A Passage to India”), Angel Coulby (“Magicians”) and Katie McGrath (“The Tudors”) also star. A FremantleMedia Enterprises distribution of a Shine production for BBC.

THE PHILANTHROPIST -- This one-hour drama is about a rebel with a cause. Teddy Rist loves women, money and power. After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world's first vigilante philanthropist -- a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need. He'll do anything to achieve his goals -- bargain with the self-righteous, trade with the nefarious and even tell the truth. Instead of spending $25,000 a plate at a fundraiser, he’s dodging bullets in third-world countries to hand-deliver vaccine. It's a global adventure that will take viewers to the ends of the Earth and will inspire them as well. "The Philanthropist" is produced by Universal Media Studios, Original Media and the Levinson/Fontana Company. Tom Fontana ("Homicide: Life on the Street"), Barry Levinson (“Homicide: Life on the Street”) and Charlie Corwin ("L.A. Ink") are the executive producers; Jim Juvonen is a co-executive producer.

THE LISTENER -- In this one-hour drama, Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, “The Runaway”) is a 24-year-old paramedic living with a secret: he can read people’s minds. This telepathic procedural takes viewers into the heart of a tortured hero who struggles to solve crimes with his unique gift. Week-to-week, “The Listener” balances high-stakes drama with irreverent humor and sends Toby on an intellectual and emotional adventure. Ennis Esmer (“The Path to 9/11”) also stars. “The Listener” is a production of Program Partners and Shaftesbury Films. The executive producers are Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Michael Amo, Russ Cochrane, Glen Davis and Bill Laurin.


NEW COMEDIES

THE OFFICE SPINOFF - From Greg Daniels, the executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning American version of NBC’s “The Office,” comes the most highly anticipated comedy of the season in “The Office” spinoff. Audiences will follow another comic journey, complete with new faces and new locations, but with the same unique sense of humor and brand of quality from Daniels and his creative team. It's the next chapter of what viewers have come to know and love about “The Office.”

KATH & KIM -- They’re the most dysfunctional duo in suburbia. Kath Day (Molly Shannon, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live”) is the mom, a foxy, 40-something divorcée who finally has time for herself and her valiant search for love. Kim Day (Selma Blair, “Hellboy,” “Hellboy II”) is the daughter, a self-absorbed princess recently separated from her husband who finds consolation in stuffing her face. When Kim decides to move back home, Kath reluctantly agrees -- but to Kim’s chagrin, Kath is not about to cater to her every whim as she has in the past. Based on the most successful comedy in Australia of the same name, Kath and Kim are two brassy women who prefer the finer things in life like acrylic nails, big hair and faux diamond chips. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios and Reveille. The executive producer/writer is Michelle Nader (“The King of Queens”) and the executive producer/director is Paul Feig (“Freaks and Geeks,” “The Office”). Gina Riley, Jane Turner and Rick McKenna also are executive producers.

SNL THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE - Dubbed "TV's funniest and most influential political player" by Entertainment Weekly, “SNL” expands its "Weekend Update" coverage to Thursdays in primetime for three live half-hour shows beginning October 16. With all of the excitement and attention around "Saturday Night Live" during the presidential primaries, the anticipation for the show's take on this Fall’s election will be at a fever pitch, "SNL Thursday Night Live" will keep the momentum -- and the laughs -- going. The program is a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer.


NEW ALTERNATIVE

CHOPPING BLOCK -- It’s time to sharpen your knives! It’s not just about the meal, it’s about the business of food. From the producers of “Hell’s Kitchen,” original rock-star chef Marco Pierre White comes to America to host the ultimate food fight on NBC -- a new reality competition set in the high-drama, high-stakes world of New York City restaurants. The cooks are given a grilling over the course of the series. The teams, which are made up of couples, will be tested in challenges that vary from having less than a week to design and revamp a restaurant space to planning a menu and creating a signature dish. The winning couple will get a chance to have their dreams come true -- opening their very own restaurant in Manhattan. The series is produced by Granada America.

AMERICA’S TOUGHEST JOBS - From creator/executive producer Thom Beers (“Deadliest Catch,” “Ice Road Truckers”) and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, “America’s Toughest Jobs” is a new extreme competition series that will test 12 people who venture out of their safe, comfortable careers and are injected into some of the most challenging, dangerous and demanding jobs on earth. From logging high in the Oregon Forest to oil drilling on the Texas range, or from driving icy roads to extreme fishing -- each job requires guts and stamina, and they'll have to live up to the same standards as the pros. In the end, their new boss and co-workers will determine success or failure, and those who don't make the grade get sent home. Upping the ante, the annual salary of each job will be thrown into the pot until the finale, where one rookie will take home the well-earned cash. "America's Toughest Jobs" is created by executive producer Beers and is produced by Original Productions and BermanBraun.

SHARK TAGGERS -- From creator/executive producer Thom Beers (“Deadliest Catch,” “Ice Road Truckers”) and executive producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun, “Shark Taggers” is a one-hour reality series that follows daring marine biologists as they track down the ocean’s top predators and hand-tag them with cutting-edge satellite transmitters or investigate bull sharks’ sudden attacks on surfers. The series is produced by Original Productions and BermanBraun.


NEW EVENTS/MINISERIES/MOVIES

THE LAST TEMPLAR -- In this four-hour miniseries, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”) stars in an epic action-adventure tale about the greatest mystery of our time. At the New york Metropolitan Museum, four horsemen dressed as 12th century knights storm the gala opening of an exhibition of Vatican treasures and steal an arcane medieval decoder. For archaeologist Tess Chaykin (Sorvino) and FBI agent Sean Daly (Scott Foley, “The Unit”), this is just the start of a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as they race across three continents in search of the enemy -- and the lost secret of the Knights Templar. The miniseries is produced by MUSE Entertainment Enterprises. Victor Garber (“Alias”) and Omar Sharif (“Doctor Zhivago”) also star. Emmy Award-winning television impresario Robert Halmi Sr. ("Tin Man," "Gulliver's Travels"), Robert Halmi, Jr. ("The Poseidon Adventure," "The Christmas Card"), and Michael Prupas ("Human Trafficking") will executive-produce the miniseries.

XIII - “XIII” is a high-stakes cat-and-mouse thriller starring Val Kilmer (“The Doors”) and Stephen Dorff (“World Trade Center”). This adrenaline-charged miniseries begins dramatically as the first female U.S. President is shot dead by a sniper during her Veteran’s Day speech. Three months later, a wounded man is found tattered in a forest with no memory of his identity. The only clue is a tattoo on his neck, “XIII.” Could his lightning-fast reflexes and killer instincts betray him as the presidential assassin that the U.S. is desperately searching for? Submerged in a far-reaching conspiracy, which threatens to overthrow the entire government, XIII’s identity becomes the key to unraveling a complex and dangerous secret that will shock and excite. From the first bullet, this gripping action-thriller will leave audiences gasping for more. “XIII” is produced by Prodigy Pictures and Cipango.


 

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NEW YORK - April 2, 2008 -- NBC announced that it will pick up the classic and Emmy Award-winning medical drama "ER" (Thursdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) for a 15th and final season. The announcement was made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"'ER' is one of the greatest shows of all time and we can't wait to deliver to the audience the fantastic stories the series is known for," said Silverman. "We will introduce new characters to the great ensemble."

Currently in its 14th season, "ER" has averaged a 3.8 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49 and 9.5 million viewers, keeping NBC in a virtual tie for the Thursday 10 p.m. lead in 18-49 despite big lead-in advantages for the time period's ABC and CBS competition from "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI" respectively. "ER" is the #3 series on the NBC primetime schedule this season among women 18-49 and the network's #2 series among women 25-54.

Combining the extraordinary talents of multiple award-winning producer John Wells ("The West Wing" "Third Watch"), best-selling author Michael Crichton ("Jurassic Park") and the creative team at Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television, the venerated series "ER" explores the inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened emergency room. Currently concluding its 14th season, the highly acclaimed drama series now holds the distinction of being recognized as the most Emmy-nominated series in the history of television with 120 nominations. Crichton and Wells serve as executive producers, along with Christopher Chulack, David Zabel, Joe Sachs and Janine Sherman Barrois.

A winner of the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, the series has also earned 22 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 1996, among the many accolades. In addition, the cast has been honored with four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Drama Series.

The long-running series stars Maura Tierney ("Semi-Pro," "Welcome to Mooseport"), Mekhi Phifer ("Dawn of the Dead," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "8 Mile," "Slow Burn"), Parminder Nagra ("Ella Enchanted," "Bend It Like Beckham"), Linda Cardellini ("Brokeback Mountain," "Scooby-Doo" movies, "Grandma's Boy," "Freaks and Geeks"), Scott Grimes ("Band of Brothers," "American Dad," "Party of Five," "Mystery, Alaska") and John Stamos ("A Raisin in the Sun," "Jake in Progress").

On staff at County General Hospital are Abby Lockhart (Tierney), a recovering alcoholic trying her best to juggle a demanding residency and motherhood while everything around her seems to be falling apart; Dr. Greg Pratt (Phifer), an attending fighting for the chief spot on the floor as well as for a firm grasp on his love-life; Neela Rasgotra (Nagra), a skilled surgical resident committed to growing in her craft as well as in her place on the surgical team; Sam Taggart (Cardellini), a spirited emergency room nurse who is finally getting some time to explore life and love both in and outside the hospital; Dr. Archie Morris (Grimes), the quirky-yet-talented attending dedicated to his work but constantly distracted by his own world; and Tony Gates (Stamos), a paramedic-turned-medical-resident who has overcome numerous obstacles to take on the rigorous challenges of life in the ER.

"ER" is a production of Constant c Productions and Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Television.

In response to an evolving media marketplace and the changing needs of its advertisers, NBC Universal has created a more innovative, client-centric approach to its traditional Upfront presentation. It will include the announcement of a year-round programming schedule in April; a series of one-on-one client meetings in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago; and a spotlight event on May 12 that will showcase the full scale of the NBCU offerings in a unique, multi-media, interactive environment that will allow advertisers to experience the broad spectrum of marketing opportunities available within the company. The new Upfront process allows NBCU to continue its 'customer-first' approach, while working to create new advertising models, define more effective metrics and provide a better return on its clients' investments.
 

Gifford Joins Hoda Kotb as Co-Host of the 10 a.m. Hour of America's Favorite Morning Program

NEW YORK – March 31, 2008 - Kathie Lee Gifford has been named co-host of the fourth hour NBC News' "Today." The announcement was made today by "Today" executive producer Jim Bell. Gifford will make her debut alongside Hoda Kotb at 10 a.m. on April 7, 2008.

"I am excited to welcome Kathie Lee to 'Today,'" said Bell. "She is a morning television icon and is on a short list of personalities known by her first name alone. We are looking forward to her signature warmth and sense of humor in the fourth hour. Her addition to the 'Today' family makes us stronger than ever, and she and Hoda will continue the 'Today' tradition of smart, topical and fun morning television."

"I am truly honored to join the 'Today' show family, many of whom have been friends and colleagues of mine for years," said Gifford. "And I'm especially looking forward to working with Hoda, a bright and beautiful woman I admire very much. Together I hope we will bring a fresh and fun perspective to the topics that affect all of our daily lives."

Launched in September 2007, the fourth hour of "Today" has continued with the program's rich history of setting the agenda for what Americans will be talking about in the office, at the watercooler and with friends all day. The hour is topical and timely, incorporating the news of the day with what people are buzzing about in a spontaneous, informative and dynamic manner.

Ann Curry will continue her role as news anchor of the 7-9 a.m. hours of "Today," as well as co-host, with Al Roker, of the 9 a.m. hour. Natalie Morales will join Curry and Roker as a third co-host at 9 a.m. Morales will also continue to serve as national correspondent for "Today" and all platforms of NBC News.

Gifford is best known as the former co-host of "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee," where in her fifteen years on the show, she received eleven Emmy nominations. Prior to "Live," Gifford was a correspondent for "Good Morning America," a position she held for three years. Gifford was also the first woman ever to guest host the "Late Show with David Letterman."

A playwright, producer, singer, songwriter and actress, Gifford has starred in numerous television programs and movies over the span of her 40-year career. In 1999, she started her own record label, On the Lamb Records. Gifford expanded her theatre resume in recent years by writing the musicals "Saving Aimee," "Under the Bridge," and "HATS! The Musical." She has also starred in several productions including Broadway's "Putting it Together" and "Annie" at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden, in which she played Miss Hannigan.

Gifford devotes much of her time to humanitarian work, lending her support to several organizations that help abused, neglected, sick and poverty-stricken children. Among those charities are Childhelp, which Gifford serves as spokesperson, and the Association to Benefit Children (ABC), which spawned Cassidy's Place and Cody House in New York City, named after her two children.

Gifford received an honorary degree from Marymount University for her humanitarian work in labor relations, and she was honored with the National Conference of Christian and Jews Irvin Feld Humanitarian Award for her commitment to bettering the lives of others. Gifford also received Childhelp's Hearts of Compassion Award for her efforts on behalf of children.

Photos and an interview with Gifford are available on TODAYshow.com at: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23871853. Additional photos will be available by contacting Megan Kopf, megan.kopf@nbcuni.com.

NBC News pioneered morning news programming when it launched "Today" more than 56 years ago, with Dave Garroway as host. The four-hour live broadcast provides the latest in domestic and international news, weather reports and interviews with newsmakers from the worlds of politics, business, media, entertainment and sports. After more than 48 years of the standard two-hour format, the third hour of "Today" was launched in October of 2000. With the continued success of the third hour, a fourth hour was launched in September of 2007 making "Today" the only four hour national morning show broadcast. The program is unparalleled in its ratings dominance in the morning news arena, serving as America's overwhelming favorite for more than twelve consecutive years.

Jim Bell is the Executive Producer of "Today" (Monday - Friday, 7-11 a.m.).