TV REVIEWS : ‘In a New Light’ Entertains as It Educates on AIDS

Do we need one more TV celeb-fest promoting AIDS awareness? Apparently so. HIV infection is still rising, particularly among heterosexual women and minority groups. Tonight’s star-studded edutainment ABC special, “In a New Light ‘93” (8 p.m., Channels 7, 3, 10 and 42), hopes that blunt talk will help turn the tide--and promote compassion for those now living with AIDS.

Arsenio Hall and Paula Abdul host the two-hour mix of music, comedy and commentary, a sequel to last year’s “In a New Light” AIDS special.

Patti Austin, Pat Benatar, Clint Black, Michael Callen, Melissa Etheridge, Elton John and Silk are among the artists who perform against a haunting background of names embroidered on the AIDS Memorial Quilt, commemorating men, women and children who have died of the disease.

In words and graphics, information is given without equivocation and underscored through repetition: how a condom is used, how it can prevent transmission of HIV, what bodily fluids transmit it, where vulnerable mucous membranes are located, ways you cannot get the virus. Abstinence is stressed; in the absence of abstinence, “safer sex,” not “safe sex,” is the operative term.

Entertainment and statistics are interspersed with memorable segments spotlighting people working in AIDS education and/or living with HIV and AIDS.

A few of the stars who speak their piece and urge viewers to call for information are Hollywood’s leading AIDS spokeswoman Elizabeth Taylor, Chad Lowe, Judith Light, Rosie Perez and Luke Perry (“I’ve been tested three times”).

Memorable comic moments and candor are provided by Lily Tomlin as Ernestine, answering questions on an AIDS hot line.

Worth tuning into? You bet your life.