Regis Philbin filled in that year, and Mr. Seacrest stepped in in 2005, the last time the show fell on a Saturday, sharing the hosting duties with Mr. Clark. Seacrest has been co-hosting the extravaganza since 2005, the year after Clark suffered a stroke that impaired his speech, according to People magazine. "No matter how much I can try to explain to people what it's like to be in Times Square live, I can't do it justice," he said. “And Dick wouldn’t have it any other way.” 
 
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 Mr. Clark’s first nationwide New Year’s Eve broadcast took place in 1972, when he conceived “Rockin’ Eve” as a youthful alternative to Guy Lombardo’s big-band broadcasts on CBS. “Dick has been the mainstay,” said Larry Klein, the show’s producer, who flies to New York from Los Angeles on Christmas Day each year. _After 12 hours of counting down the year's top music videos, BET presents its "106 & Party" special at 11 p.m. 
 
 _Two news networks are also marking the occasion with specials. Then the regular “Rockin’ Eve” — which starts at 10, pauses for the 11 o’clock news and resumes at 11:30 — will feature Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Carlos Santana, Pitbull and Hot Chelle Rae, among others. “Rockin’ Eve” is typically more popular than the competing countdown shows on NBC, Fox, MTV and other channels. Last year almost 19 million were watching ABC around midnight, according to Nielsen, though that figure surely understates the total audience because it does not count the groups of people who were watching at bars, restaurants and other parties. Dick Clark has become synonymous with New Year's Eve, so it's no surprise the renowned television host is back to ring in 2012 and celebrate the 40th anniversary of his iconic program, "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."
– Dick Clark will be in his usual New Year's Eve spot tonight, in front of the cameras for his New Year's Rockin' Eve show on ABC, notes the Huffington Post. As has been the case since 2005, Ryan Seacrest will co-host and handle most of the duties for the 82-year-old Clark, who has been slowed by a stroke since 2004. This year is the 40th anniversary of the show, which will feature a Lady Gaga performance just before midnight. (AP has more details on the show and what else is on.) Clark does all his interviews via email these days because of his speech difficulties, and the New York Times broaches some touchy topics, like whether this might be his last show. "I hope not," came the reply. Clark also said he hopes his hosting "may serve as an inspiration" to viewers who have physical disabilities. Click for more.