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CBS Retains Broadcast Rights To Kennedy Center Honors Through 2025

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)   —  CBS on Sunday announced the network has retained broadcast rights to the  prestigious "Kennedy Center Honors" through 2025.

The new deal further extends one of the longest broadcast partnerships in television history. The Emmy-winning and much-lauded special has been broadcast on CBS each year since its debut in 1978.

"The Kennedy Center Honors is the most prestigious award given to artists in America," said Leslie Moonves, CBS' Chairman & CEO. "We are proud that we will continue to broadcast this award-winning telecast for many years to come. It is also a privilege to extend this incredible 39-year partnership with the amazing team at The Kennedy Center, and continue to honor and celebrate our greatest performing artists well into the next decade."

"We're fortunate to have had such great partners in CBS over the history of the Kennedy Center Honors," said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. "Next year we'll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Honors, and we look forward to working with CBS to build on its legacy of paying tribute to our most talented performing artists, those who have left an indelible mark on our society's cultural fabric and continue to surprise and inspire us all."As is tradition, every year since 1978, stars from stage, screen and music are saluted for their achievements in their respective fields in a show celebrated by the first couple.

The 38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, December 6, 2015 to attend the Kennedy Center Honors. The honorees are singer-songwriter Carole King, filmmaker George Lucas, actress and singer Rita Moreno, Conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson. (Photo credit CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP/Getty Images)

The recipient-honorees also accept the thanks of their peers and fans through performances and heartfelt tributes.

CBS will broadcast the 39th annual show on Tuesday, Dec. 27 (9-11 p.m.), with Stephen Colbert hosting for the third consecutive year. The honorees are Argentine pianist Martha Argerich, Eagles, Al Pacino, Mavis Staples and James Taylor.

To learn more about the Kennedy Center and its various artistic programs, click here.

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