Making Good Television v. A Good Winner

Back in August 2007, Jennifer Weiner had a story on NPR regarding Miss America now being aired on a cable channel. This year's contest actually is the third to air on cable. The last two were on CMT. This year it is on TLC. Ms. Weiner is the author of In Her Shoes, a best-selling book that was made into a movie starring Cameron Diaz. It's a fun story on NPR.

The action starts Friday night! The dude that plays Vanessa Williams' assistant, Michael Urie, on the TV show "Ugly Betty" is the host of the new TLC series called "MISS AMERICA: REALITY CHECK." In the teaser ad he says, "It's time to kick Miss America on its sash."

According to TLC's website, "the four-part series is designed to get these 52 state winners to forget everything they've learned in "pageant schools" over the years ... the walk ... the talk ... the hairspray" .... The shows air the next four Fridays. The Miss America finals are Jan. 26. Don't forget, the last two Miss Oklahomas won the crown.

The top 15 will be announced Jan. 26 during the finals. A 16th finalist will be announced during the live finale as the result of online voting by you and me. Go to http://www.tlc.com/missamerica to vote. The contestant with the most votes and not already in the top 15 will be added to those competing Jan. 26 for the whole pot. And the sash.