ABC Announces "Be Ugly 07" In Support of Ugly Betty Series  12/28/06

2007 WILL BE THE YEAR TO BE UGLY!

ABC Announces "Be Ugly '07" In Support of the Hit Series "Ugly Betty"

Pro-Social Campaign Asks Americans to Resolve to Be Real, Be Smart, Be Passionate, Be True To Yourself, Be Ugly Like "Ugly Betty" in 2007

ABC Teams Up With Girls Inc. to Communicate Empowerment Message in Kick-Off Event with CosmoGIRL! Magazine Featuring America Ferrera on the Cover

Original Theme Song "The Beauty In Ugly" Composed by Singing Sensation Jason Mraz Introduces Campaign and Will Be Released Through iTunes

ABC.com Launches www.BeUgly07.com

Original Special "The Beauty of Ugly Betty" from People Magazine and People En Espaqol Available in English and Spanish as part of "Be Ugly '07"

"Ugly Betty," the Golden Globe nominated and most watched new comedy of the fall season, proves ugly is the new beautiful. On Sunday, Dec. 31 ABC will launch "Be Ugly '07," a pro-social campaign that asks America to resolve to be real, be smart, be passionate, be true to yourself and be ugly, just like "Ugly Betty" in 2007. "Be Ugly '07" will turn the word "ugly" upside down and challenge conventional perceptions and stereotypes of real beauty. Promoting self esteem and empowerment, the effort kicks off with cross-network support, an original song, stunts, appearances, interstitials, a dedicated web site (www.BeUgly07.com), and an event designed to create awareness for the movement.

"Be Ugly '07" starts on-air during "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," and hundreds of Betty look-alikes will be in Times Square and Walt Disney World handing out "Ugly Betty" masks to help people see the world through Betty's eyes, where ugly is beautiful. Also on Dec. 31, ABC Family will feature a marathon from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET. January 1 look-alikes will distribute masks at the Rose Bowl Parade, with a SOAPnet marathon airing from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET.

ABC is teaming up with Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls, to be smart, strong and bold, on "Be Ugly '07." At an event in New York on January 8, a special appearance will be made by February's CosmoGIRL! cover girl and star of "Ugly Betty," America Ferrera (issue on newsstands Jan. 2). Unveiled at the event will be a t-shirt designed for the campaign to raise money for Girls Inc., and available for purchase at www.BeUgly07.com.

Multi-platinum Atlantic Records singer/songwriter Jason Mraz has composed an original song specifically for the campaign. "The Beauty In Ugly," will be used in a variety of mediums including the television campaign and a music video in support of "Be Ugly '07," and will also be recorded in Spanish. Jason's song can be heard in its entirety at www.BeUgly07.com, and will be released for download in January through the iTunes Store with a portion of the proceeds going to Girls Inc.

www.BeUgly07.com will act as campaign headquarters for the movement and provide a mission statement, exclusive content, a calendar of events, downloadable items such as wallpaper, posters and much more. In addition, there will be opportunities for fans to participate online in "Be Ugly '07," and viewers can catch up on all of the episodes to-date beginning Dec. 25 on ABC.com.

Co-produced by People Magazine and People En Espaqol, and created by ABC, an original half-hour special "The Beauty of Ugly Betty" will made available to ABC affiliates and The Walt Disney Companies' wholly owned cable channels in English and Spanish. The special will feature interviews with the cast and editors of the magazine, who take a look at how "Ugly Betty" has become a phenomenon and how the show has redefined "ugly."

In addition, affiliates will be offered a "Be Ugly '07" kit that will provide materials (masks, ponchos, etc.) for local markets to use at events to create additional awareness in their communities, and a "Be Ugly '07" radio promotion will launch later in first quarter.

Source: ABC Press Release