USA NETWORK PRIMED FOR "AMERICA'S DOG SHOW" WITH 129TH WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PEDIGREE� LIVE FEB. 14-15, 8 PM ET/PT

NBC News and MSNBC's Lester Holt Joins USA Telecast

NEW YORK -- February 7, 2005 -- The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show -- "America's Dog Show" -- airs exclusive, live coverage on USA Network, February 14-15 (8-11 PM Live ET/PT). Pedigree� is the presenting sponsor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA.

Host Lester Holt makes his Westminster debut alongside expert analyst David Frei, who marks his 16th year on USA, and Charlsie Cantey in her third appearance at the world's most prestigious dog show on USA Network. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will feature more than 2,500 purebred dogs in 165 breeds and varieties as they vie for a spot in the final ring and, ultimately, Best In Show honors at the 129th annual meeting at Madison Square Garden.

USA Network will host a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Conference Call on Wednesday, February 9 at 1 p.m. ET. The call will feature show host Lester Holt and analyst David Frei. To participate call (877) 417-7733 and ask for "America's Dog Show."

"One of the reasons I'm so happy about hosting the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is because I've been a dog person my whole life," said Holt. "I'm looking forward to working with Dave and all of the team at USA."

Holt, who serves as co-anchor of NBC News' "Weekend Today," also hosts "Lester Holt Live" on MSNBC and is the lead anchor for daytime news and breaking news coverage on MSNBC. He hosted MSNBC's daytime coverage of the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens, has served as a primary anchor for MSNBC's coverage of the biggest news events of the last several years, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, the war in Afghanistan, and also served as lead daytime anchor for MSNBC's coverage of Decision 2000. He also served as anchor of "Countdown: Iraq," a nightly news telecast concentrating on the latest developments surrounding the war with Iraq, from October 2002 through March 2003.

"Lester is a great addition to Westminster, bringing a wealth of experience and professionalism, as well as a versatile background from his work at the Olympics, on Weekend Today and MSNBC," said USA Network Sr. Vice President and Executive Producer Gordon Beck. "He joins a great tradition on USA."

"I know Lester has a special fondness when it comes to dogs," USA Network analyst Dave Frei said. "I look forward to introducing him to our loyal viewers and can't wait to see his reaction to this great event."

This year's show also features three newly-recognized breeds competing for the first time at Westminster: Glen of Imaal Terrier, Neapolitan Mastiff and Black Russian Terrier. In all, more than 2,500 purebred dogs will compete in hopes of making it to the finals where Best In Show judge Mrs. Lynette Saltzman of Westport, CT. will crown the winner.

Group judges include:

Sporting - Mrs. Paula Nykiel of Washington, MO

Hound - Mr. Dana Cline of Loves Park, IL

Working - Mr. Norman Kenney of Westford, MA

Terrier - Mrs. Cindy Vogels of Greenwood Village, CO

Toy - Mr. Kenneth McDermott of Newburgh, NY

Non-Sporting - Ms. Sandra Goose Allen of Madeira Beach, FL

Herding - Mrs. Dorothy Collier of Wellington, FL

USA Network has been home to The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Pedigree� for 22 consecutive years. USA Network airs exclusive, live coverage on Monday, February 14 (8-11 PM ET/PT) and Tuesday, February 15 (8-11 PM ET/PT).

First Night

TELECAST: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 (8-11 PM Live ET/8-11 PM PT)

Second Night

TELECAST: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 (8-11 PM Live ET/8-11 PM PT)

USA Network is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. USA Network is seen in over 88 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.