Donald Trump is mulling over a proposal for Miss America

Donald Trump has approached the Miss America Organization about buying the famous pageant, which is fighting for survival after being dumped by ABC because of declining ratings.

“I’ve talked to them, but I have not made an offer,” said Trump, who controls 50% of the partnership that owns the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants. “It’s tough: The networks don’t want to put it on, and I’d like to do whatever I can to help them out.”

If he bought Miss America, he would keep it in Atlantic City but make it more watchable, Trump said. When asked how, he wouldn’t say, except to say he would maintain the “integrity” of the contest.

“We are flattered that Donald Trump called on the Miss America Organization, the longest-running pageant in history,” said Chief Executive Art McMaster. “We are currently exploring all of our opportunities.”

Miss America, by any measure, is floundering.

Despite a succession of new gimmicks aimed at luring viewers back in recent years, its basic formula has gone unchanged. Last year, it was watched by 9.8 million people -- a record low.

The loss of its TV contract means more than the loss of network exposure. It also means less money. In 2003, ABC paid $5.6 million for the rights to televise Miss America; the Miss America Organization’s total revenues for the year amounted to $6.9 million.