SEASON PREMIERE

"PRIMETIME LIVE" PREMIERES WITH AN INVESTIGATION THAT EXPLORES THE TRUTH ABOUT DONALD TRUMP'S FINANCIAL EMPIRE, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 ON ABC

Plus: Cynthia McFadden Reports on Female Teachers Having Affairs with Their Male Students

The ABC News newsmagazine "Primetime Live" re-launches on Thursday, September 16 with a new team of co-anchors, a new executive producer and a return to the program's roots in important, hard-hitting investigative reporting. This season Diane Sawyer is being joined by new "Primetime" anchors Chris Cuomo, Cynthia McFadden and John Quiqones. In the season's first edition, "Primetime Live" takes a hard look at the financial world of Donald Trump, and also explores why we seem to be hearing about more and more incidents of female teachers having affairs their male students. "Primetime Live" premieres THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Donald Trump has emerged as America's business icon, with his gleaming financial empire and an unparalleled acumen for self-promotion, reports Chris Cuomo. The boastful baron's name is on everything from skyscrapers to board games, and now he is the centerpiece of a hit reality show that portrays him as a sort of Jedi financial master to his young apprentices. But some say there's more to Trump's financial world than meets the eye. Critics claim that, if you look beyond the bravado, "The Donald's" fortune is not what it appears-they question whether the self-professed billionaire is as wealthy as he purports to be. And "Primetime" learns that he doesn't own a controlling stake in some of his high-profile projects. "Primetime" investigates Trump's finances and talks with critics, his ex-wife, Marla Maples, and the man himself-in an off-camera interview-in an effort to discover the real deal about Trump.

Plus: Cynthia McFadden reports on a troubling problem that seems to be making headlines more than ever before-female teachers sleeping with their male students. "Primetime Live" turned up more than fifty cases in the last two-and-a-half years in which teachers have been accused of having illicit relationships with their students. McFadden explores three of these cases. In an exclusive interview, she speaks with Owen LaFave, the husband of Debra LaFave, who sparked international headlines this summer when she was charged with having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student. '"Primetime" also interviews a 13-year-old boy from Texas whose affair with his 27-year-old teacher resulted in a baby daughter. He discusses conducting a secret six-month affair and how he feels about his actions now. And a 35-year-old teacher from Canada named Heather Ingram explains why she crossed the line with her 17-year-old student, and whether it was worth the high price she has paid.

This season, "Primetime Live" will take a new approach to exploring a range of issues-from family relations and sexuality to poverty in America-in a unique way. The program has assembled a new investigative team of award-winning producers who have embarked on a number of short and long-term investigations. "We're going to investigate topics that nobody else is daring to in primetime," said new executive producer Shelley Ross. "We're not afraid to take on some very sacred cows along the way." "Primetime" will also continue to be the place to hear first from the day's top newsmakers. Ross added that broadcasting live will allow the program to better respond to breaking news. "Our viewers will never miss a relevant breaking news story," said Ross.

"We have an amazing team of correspondents and producers who have already brought new energy and fresh ideas you won't see anywhere else," said Ross. "The only thing off limits this season is the same old, same old."

Each edition of "Primetime Live" will conclude with "That Was The Week That Was," featuring music and lyrics that take a satirical look at current events, from politics to pop culture. The "TW3" segment is an homage to the classic 1960s BBC program of the same name, hosted by Sir David Frost. "We've looked back to the past and found a ground-breaking concept that will inspire what Ithink will become a signature of the new 'Primetime,'" says Ross.

"Primetime Live" will also feature new graphics, a new open and new theme music by Academy Award-winning composer Bill Conte that will incorporate the original, bold "Primetime" theme with a more modern musical statement.

Diane Sawyer, Chris Cuomo, Cynthia McFadden and John Quiqones are the anchors of "Primetime Live." Shelley Ross is the executive producer.