Big Four Networks Unite for Telethon

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - The Big Four networks are banding together to address the national tragedy of last week's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, by airing a cross-channel telethon to help raise funds for those in need. "America: A Tribute to Heroes" will air live and commercial-free on Friday, Sept. 21 on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC from 9 to 11 p.m. ET and CT (time-delayed in PT and Mountain Zones).

This is the first time the four networks have worked together, bringing together stars from each network for a long-term relief effort benefiting the thousands of Americans who were directly affected by the terrorist attack.

Thus far, the list of participants includes Bon Jovi, Amy Brenneman ("Judging Amy"), Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Sheryl Crow, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, The Dixie Chicks, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Calista Flockhart ("Ally McBeal"), Dennis Franz ("NYPD Blue"), Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier"), Tom Hanks, Faith Hill, Billy Hoes, Alicia Keys, Conan O'Brien, Tom Petty, Ray Romano ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), Julia Roberts, Paul Simon, Will Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Sela Ward ("Once and Again"), Robin Williams, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young. More celebrities are expected to appear.

All funds raised from this program will go to the relief effort, with all costs of producing the show underwritten by the networks. In addition, everyone involved will be donating his or her time and resources.

"'America: A Tribute to Heroes' will seek to unite a shaken world with words and music while paying tribute to the indomitable spirit, unfaltering fortitude and courage that truly makes America the land of the free and the home of the brave, says a statement released late Tuesday. __Zap2it.com (September 18, 2001)