U.S. TV networks plan joint Katrina telethon

[sabra]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N01497740.htm

U.S. TV networks plan joint Katrina telethon

LOS ANGELES, Sept 1 (Reuters) - In a rare collaboration among America's biggest broadcasters, the six major networks are planning a joint telethon to raise money for survivors of Hurricane Katrina, people familiar with the project said on Thursday.

Although no air date has been set, and plans remained sketchy, the program is conceived as a commercial-free live special with musical performances by recording stars punctuated with appearances from other celebrities, insiders at three networks told Reuters.

The hour-long event would be simulcast by CBS, ABC, Fox, NBC, the WB and UPN networks, similar to the star-studded joint telethon aired by the major broadcasters 10 days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

That two-hour special, called "America: A Tribute to Heroes," drew 59 million viewers and raised more than $150 million in pledges to assist families of people killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

[countmyvote4real]

1. It would seem a lot less smarmy if these networks reported news.

n/t

[ShockediSay]

2. After they repeal their Big Bucks Tax Cuts

I join in and donate MY share.

[burrowowl]

3. If corporations paid their taxes

another circus and where will the money really go?
Must say U$ has topped Rome, circuses but no bread for the hungry (or water for that matter).

[high density]

4. Why don't those companies donate a few million each?

It's great if the networks want to give away a few hours of airtime to a some celebrities that think they can bring in some cash. Still I have to say that I'm getting tired of corporate America and my government treating us like shit and then doing these little bandaid gestures that appear to be primarily for marketing purposes.

[physioex]

5. I hear ya........

But let's put that aside for awhile and help those people. We can deal with these issues at another time.

[SemperEadem]

9. exactly

I think that it would be far better to use the money you'd have to pay for technical people, satellite time, talent, et al and use 2/3 of the record profits their shareholders have received and send that money to help hurricane victims.

[Voltaire99]

6. Wrong. Soak the rich.

The rich in the US have just gone through two periods of historically significant largesse: the 90s, and now the Bush tax cuts of the 00s.

It's time for them to hand it over for the common good.

[Algorem]

7. I heard America's 300+ billionaires have gotten together and decided to

give $10,000 to each victim that needs it.And they'll all still be billionaires! So we don't really have to worry about telethons and all that showy bullshit.

[Justyce]

8. They seem to be able to

organize entire telethons, fund raisers with all the major stars/singers, etc., faster than they can GET THE REST OF THE PEOPLE OUT OF NEW ORLEANS!!! I'm blown away that they've moved onto this crap already when they haven't even finished rescuing the dying people yet :cry:

[leQ]

11. you hit the nail on the head. excellent observation! (eom)

[SemperEadem]

10. Meanwhile, camels are flying through the eyes of needles.