Miss America back on network TV in 3-year ABC deal

[May 24, 2010]  LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Miss America is getting back to network television in time for her 90th birthday.

Pageant officials told The Associated Press that the beauty competition has signed a three-year deal with ABC, with plans to air next year's pageant live on Jan. 15.

ABC was Miss America's former network home, but the pageant was dropped after record-low ratings in 2004.

Miss America Organization Chairman Sam Haskell declined to discuss specific numbers but says the deal is better than others the pageant has had the past five years.

Miss America found itself without a TV deal in March after cable network TLC declined to pick up a three-year option.

This year's pageant -- won by Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron -- was No. 1 on cable the night it aired, excluding movies.

[Associated Press; By OSKAR GARCIA]

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