Networks to Simulcast Telethon to Aid Victims

The four major broadcast networks confirmed plans Tuesday to simulcast a commercial-free two-hour program Friday night to raise money for the families of the victims of last week’s terrorist attacks.

The fund-raiser, which will be called “America: A Tribute to Heroes,” will feature musical acts including the Dixie Chicks, Alicia Keys, Sheryl Crow, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Tom Petty, Billy Joel, Faith Hill and Paul Simon.

Also appearing will be celebrities including Jim Carrey, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Robin Williams and Julia Roberts.

The unprecedented cooperative effort, which will be funded by the four major networks, could be the biggest and most complicated cross-media event ever.

ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox have offered the program to the other cable and broadcast networks, as well as to radio stations and Internet sites. WB and UPN are expected to run the program on at least some of their stations. WB will have to postpone its planned Friday premiere of several new fall shows.

Also, many WB and UPN affiliates would have to preempt news programs that air at 10 p.m., after their network schedule ends. For their part, the four main networks had already postponed by seven days the season premieres of their new fall shows, originally scheduled for this week.

The four major networks will broadcast the fund-raiser live in the Eastern time zone from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday. The Pacific time zone will get a tape-delayed feed.

Cable channels from ESPN to Court TV are trying to rearrange their schedules to make way for the special. The nation’s two largest radio broadcasters, Clear Channel Communications and CBS-owned Infinity Broadcasting Corp., are also trying to carry the program live on their stations.

Joel Gallen, who has created specials including the MTV Music Awards, will produce the show.