FOOD NETWORK OPENS CASTING FOR SEASON FIVE OF "THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR"

Conducting Open-Call Auditions in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Charleston, SC and Portland, OR

For Immediate Release � Food Network has greenlit a fifth season of its hugely successful reality series The Next Food Network Star the network announced today. The recently completed fourth season of Star was the highest-rated series in Food Network history and the cabler is looking for outstanding chefs and home cooks to join the ranks of past winners like Guy Fieri and the newly-crowned Aaron McCargo Jr. to compete for the opportunity to win his or her own Food Network series.

The network is currently conducting a nation-wide talent search and encourages both professional and amateur chefs to apply. Applicants have until Friday, October 31st, 2008 to send in a three minute audition video explaining why he/she should be Food Network's newest star. For applications and contest rules, simply visit www.FoodNetwork.com and click on 'Be on Food Network'. In addition, contestant hopefuls can also apply in person at one of several open-call auditions that will be held around the country. Applicants should bring an application, photograph and resume and/or bio to the auditions, which will allow them to meet with network casting directors. Locations will include:

Washington DC- Friday, October 3, 2008 from 10am-3pm

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Washington

1820 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209

New York, NY- Monday, October 6, 2008 11am-3pm

Sutton Place

1015 Second Ave. (btw. 53rd and 54th) New York, NY 10022

Los Angeles, CA- Wednesday, October 15, 2008 from 10am-3pm

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California � Los Angeles

2900 31st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405-3035

Charleston, SC- Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 10am-3pm

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Charleston

24 North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401-2623

Portland, OR- Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 10am-3pm

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

1401 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97201

Philadelphia, PA � Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 10am-3pm

Embassy Suites Center City Philadelphia

1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19107

The Next Food Network Star will return for a new season where the finalists will be tested in a new set of difficult challenges that will determine not only their culinary prowess, but also their creativity and on-air potential. The series is set to tape and air on Food Network in 2009.