“Miss Universe is a unique, global media property and this partnership with Fox marks a new era for The Miss Universe Organization as a whole,” said IMG SVP of Original Content Michael Antinoro in a statement. “As the broadcast leader in innovative and groundbreaking live events, Fox is the perfect partner as we look to implement new and exciting changes to this show and the franchise.”
Miss Universe’s broadcasting partner initially came into question when Univision announced it wouldn’t air the pageant based on “insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants.” Just days later, NBCUniversal pulled the plug, saying that Trumps comments weren’t in line with the company’s values of “respect and dignity for all people.” Trump sparked the pushback when he called Mexican immigrants “criminals” and “rapists” during his presidential candidacy announcement speech.
Interestingly enough, while NBCUniversal was quick to back away from Trump after his statements — including an ironic firing of the blowhard from his show Celebrity Apprentice — NBC is still open to have him appear on the network: Trump will host SNL on November 7.
While the former owner of the Miss Universe Organization has quite the controversial past, the pageants have provided solid ratings. The last Miss Universe Pageant captured 7.7 million viewers on NBC according to Variety, and is distributed in roughly 190 countries and territories globally. At the end of this December’s event, current Miss Universe Paulina Vega of Colombia will pass off the crown to her successor.
Fox will air the 64th Annual Miss Universe Pageant on Sunday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
