THE FINAL THREE CANDIDATES FACE INTENSE INTERVIEWS ON NBC'S "THE APPRENTICE: MARTHA STEWART"

THE FINAL THREE CANDIDATES FACE INTENSE INTERVIEWS ON NBC'S "THE APPRENTICE: MARTHA STEWART" WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 9-10 PM ET/PT

NEW YORK - December 12, 2005 - The countdown is on for the remaining three "Apprentice: Martha Stewart" candidates as they face their toughest task yet - to interview with top executives from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (December 14, 9-10 pm ET on NBC). After the penultimate firing of the season, Martha Stewart then issues the final two tasks - coordinate "The Liz Claiborne Fashion Show & Charity Benefit," and run the "Apple & Eve presents The Big Apple Circus" - which will culminate with the live conference room hiring from Chelsea Television Studios December 21 (9-10pm ET).

Proceeds from the fashion show and the Big Apple Circus go to Safe Horizon and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, respectively.

The executives featured in the December 14th interview process include:

Susan Lyne, President & CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Jonathan Chernes, Sr. VP, Retail Merchandising Gail Towey, Chief Creative Officer Margaret Roach, Editorial Director of Publications

With the two finalists in place and the tasks disseminated, Stewart tells each finalist to choose three former candidates to help execute these tasks. The teams' ensuing mayhem begs the question; will they get it done in time?

Remaining Candidates: Jim, Dawna, and Bethenny

About Liz Claiborne

"We are delighted to work with Martha's show on this task. It is a natural partnership of two iconic brands - Martha Stewart and Liz Claiborne," commented Liz Claiborne Inc. chairman and chief executive officer, Paul R. Charron.

The Liz Claiborne Holiday collection, comprised of sumptuous fabrics and luxurious details, shines as a star of the show. Liz Claiborne Inc. designs and markets an extensive range of fashion apparel and accessories for women, men, teens, children and infants. The Company also markets fragrances for women and men. The 42 brands in the Liz Claiborne Inc. portfolio are available at over 30,000 points of sale worldwide.

About Apple & Eve

"As the Matchstick team pulls together the Apple & Eve sponsorship of the Big Apple Circus Benefit supporting the Boys and Girls Club of America, they no doubt must appreciate the extraordinary behind-the-scenes effort that goes into organizing a company's major fundraising event," says Gordon Crane, president and founder of Apple & Eve. "Viewers of this week's episode will experience the pride and passion marketers feel about the portrayal of their brand in association with such a high profile event supporting a worthwhile cause."

Apple & Eve is one of the largest independently owned juice companies in the U.S., with total sales exceeding $160 million. Founded in 1975 by Gordon Crane, and his brothers Cary and Alan, and headquartered in Port Washington, NY, the company is known for its great tasting, innovative, and healthy juice products. Apple & Eve markets a complete line of juices, including Apple & Eve 100% pure juices and Northland cranberry juice blends. Apple & Eve also markets the Sesame Street line of juices for children, the Seneca brand, and Apple & Eve Organics. Apple & Eve natural products are found in supermarkets, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, drug stores, health food stores and convenience stores across the country.

"The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions. Mark Burnett, Jay Bienstock and Donald J. Trump are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Kevin Harris are co-executive producers.