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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

MDA telethon sans Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Jerry Lewis (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

PHOENIX – Comedian Jerry Lewis’ conspicuous absence will not be the only change at the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s telethon this year.

The Tucson, Ariz.-based association is making major changes to the telethon, slashing it down from a nearly 22-hour show to six hours of prime time television in an effort to boost audience numbers, raise more money, and make sponsors and celebrities happy.

The association announced many of the changes Thursday as it moves on from a 45-year partnership with Lewis.

Do you think telethons have served their purpose and are past their prime?



Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.