JOHN SAADE RETURNS TO ABC AS VICE PRESIDENT, ALTERNATIVE SERIES & SPECIALS

VICKI DUMMER ALSO MOVES INTO THE DEPARTMENT

Following a stint as an independent producer, John Saade has returned to the ABC Television Network as vice president, Alternative Series and Specials, ABC Entertainment, it was announced today by Andrea Wong, executive vice president, Alternative Programming, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment.

During his stint as a producer, Saade was executive producer of the American edition of "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here." During his first tenure at ABC, he played a critical role in the development of a number of alternative series and specials for the network, including the runaway hits "The Bachelor" and the "The Bachelorette," the award-winning series "Houston Medical" and the critically-acclaimed reality show, "The Mole."

Prior to joining ABC, Saade was a producer and director at Dakota North Entertainment, where he oversaw development and current production. He also executive-produced such notable specials as "The Best Television You've Never Seen," "The Best Commercials You've Never Seen, I, II & III" and "Celebrity Weddings - In Style," as well as producing the "Billy Crystal film," which kicked off the 1998 Academy Awards presentation.

Also joining the department full time is Vicki Dummer as vice president, Alternative Series & Specials. Ms. Dummer had been working in both the alternative series department and ABC's current programming department, where she oversaw such shows as "According to Jim" and "Less than Perfect." In her new position she will report solely to Ms. Wong. She is the point executive on the hits "Extreme Makeover" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and will play a role in guiding the upcoming "Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition." She also oversaw the network's two hit specials with famed newlyweds Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, "The Nick and Jessica Variety Hour" and "The Nick and Jessica Family Christmas," and is the executive in charge of the "Happy Days 30th Anniversary Special," which is set to air in early 2005.

"John and Vicki are terrific executives and collaborators," Ms. Wong said in making the announcement. "They completely understand the ABC brand of alternative programming, have great relationships with the creative community and an amazing ability to think outside the box - qualities that make this department the strongest it's ever been."