Hearst-Argyle Television to Debut Series of Primetime Specials With Carlos Watson

Hearst-Argyle Television to Debut Series of Primetime Specials With Carlos Watson

NEW YORK, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. (NYSE:HTV) today announced that it will debut a series of specials hosted by emerging television personality Carlos Watson.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070115/NYM076 )

The program, carrying the working title "The Edge with Carlos Watson," will feature on-location, unscripted conversations with intriguing figures in entertainment, sports and politics. Beginning March 15, the first of four quarterly episodes of "The Edge" will appear in prime-time slots on all 29 Hearst-Argyle television stations. Guests for the premiere episode include Senator Hillary Clinton, Sean "Diddy" Combs, inspirational Olympic silver medalist Bonnie St. John and NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon.

Watson, formerly a political analyst and host on CNN, brings to this project a rich background in politics, entrepreneurship and entertainment. For three years Watson provided political commentary on CNN, appearing alongside Wolf Blitzer and Larry King for events such as CNN's 2004 Presidential Election Night coverage. With a prime-time show on CNN, specials on CNBC and BET's "Meet the Faith," Watson has distinguished himself as a versatile host. His past guests have included Senator Barack Obama, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, model Heidi Klum, former Vermont Governor and presidential candidate Howard Dean, former quarterback Joe Montana, actress Eva Longoria, Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Oprah Winfrey -- among others.

Hearst-Argyle has partnered with Watson's independent production company to develop the specials.

"Carlos has already proven his mettle as a television host," said Emerson Coleman, Hearst-Argyle Vice President, Programming. "Our stations are giving this show significant promotion and highly visible evening time periods in 2007. Our intent is to grow and develop this franchise with an eye toward bigger opportunities in 2008 and beyond."

Said Watson, "I've always loved programs like The Charlie Rose Show and Barbara Walters Specials. I'm excited about the opportunity to enliven the format, bringing the personalized conversation to a new generation. I'm also excited to be working with these collaborators; Hearst-Argyle and Hearst Corporation are known for innovative media partnerships."

An alumnus of Harvard University and Stanford Law School, Watson co-founded his own educational company before embarking on a television career. In 2002 Watson sold Achieva College Prep Services to Washington Post Company, and in 2006 became joint owner of the championship soccer team DC United. Watson has worked for Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, U.S. Senator Bob Graham of Florida, and Florida Representative Daryl Jones.

"His rare combination of political acumen, business savvy, and television experience position Watson as a new breed of host," Coleman said. Additional information about Carlos Watson and "The Edge" can be found at http://www.carloswatson.com/.

The Hearst-Argyle television stations stretch from Portland, Maine to Honolulu and include leading stations in major markets such as Boston, Sacramento, Orlando, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Kansas City (MO) and Milwaukee. A number of the stations air popular locally produced public affairs programs. "Chronicle," airing weeknightly for more than 25 years on WCVB-TV, Boston, consistently earns the highest ratings in its prime-time access timeslot and is New England's first local television program to appear nightly in high definition. "11 TV Hill," a weekend program on WBAL-TV, Baltimore, and "On Assignment," a quarterly prime-time program on WISN-TV, Milwaukee, also consistently win their timeslots.

About Hearst-Argyle

Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc. owns 26 television stations, and manages an additional three television and two radio stations, in geographically diverse U.S. markets. The Company's television stations reach approximately 18% of U.S. TV households, making it one of America's largest television station groups. Hearst-Argyle owns 12 ABC-affiliated stations, and manages an additional ABC station owned by Hearst Corporation, and is the largest ABC affiliate group. The Company also owns 10 NBC affiliates, and is the second-largest NBC affiliate owner, and owns two CBS affiliates. Hearst-Argyle also is a leader in the convergence of local broadcast television and the Internet through its partnership with Internet Broadcasting, and in the application of digital broadcast spectrum for new local informational services through its Weather Plus partnership with NBC and various NBC affiliate groups. Hearst-Argyle Series A Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HTV." HTV debt is rated investment grade by Moody's (Baa3), Standard & Poor's (BBB-) and Fitch (BBB-), each with a stable outlook. The Company's Web address is http://www.hearstargyle.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: tcampo@hearst.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070115/NYM076
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN6
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.

CONTACT: Thomas W. Campo of Hearst-Argyle Television, +1-212-887-6827,
tcampo@hearst.com

Web site: http://www.hearstargyle.com/

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