Which television special has aired annually from New York City since its debut on December 31, 1972?

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve has aired annually from New York City since its debut on December 31, 1972.

The first broadcast was created as an alternative to Guy Lombardo’s long-running New Year’s television program. Dick Clark hosted the new special, which emphasized contemporary popular music and the Times Square countdown rather than a ballroom-orchestra format.

The program was originally titled Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. After Clark’s death, Ryan Seacrest became the principal host, and the title was expanded to include Clark’s name as a tribute. The special has also added performances and countdown segments from other cities.

The program’s premiere is sometimes confused with the beginning of the Times Square ball drop. That physical tradition began in 1907; the television special arrived 65 years later.