Networks will join forces for cancer telethon
Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong are among the celebrities who will take part in a three-network telethon to support cancer research, it was announced Tuesday.
The hour-long “Stand Up To Cancer” will air live and commercial-free on ABC, CBS and NBC on Sept. 5 and feature musical performances and appeals from actors, athletes and journalists.
Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, America Ferrera, Danica Patrick, Salma Hayek, Kirsten Dunst, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Masi Oka and news anchors Charles Gibson, Brian Williams and Katie Couric will be among those taking part.
Former Sen. John Edwards’ wife, Elizabeth, and Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” also are set to appear. Both women have battled breast cancer.
During the telethon, viewers will be invited to make donations by calling the celebrity-staffed phone bank or by texting.
Such network cooperation is rare but not unprecedented.
In 2005, the six biggest broadcasters, along with cable channels, carried a Hurricane Katrina benefit program. In 2001, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox aired a telethon for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Emmy hosts get real
There won’t be an Emmy host this year – there will be five.
The reality TV hosts nominated in the new category that honors their work will preside over the show, ABC and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced.
They are: Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With the Stars”; Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol”; Howie Mandel, “Deal or No Deal”; Heidi Klum, “Project Runway;” Jeff Probst, “Survivor.”
“It just seemed like a perfect way to stay current with the state of television today,” said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the Sept. 21 Emmy broadcast.
It could bring increased spontaneity to a ceremony that, by definition, has a certain amount of predictability, he added.
The popularity of reality shows also could provide a much-needed ratings boost: Last year, the Emmy broadcast – opposite a National Football League game – posted its second-smallest audience on record, just under 13 million.