Networks to Simulcast Katrina Fundraiser

Sept. 7, 2005 -- -- The broadcast networks will expand their fundraising platform on Friday, Sept. 9 beyond the "Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast" primetime special, beginning their efforts that day on the morning news programs and concluding on the late-night shows.

Phone lines for Hurricane Katrina relief aid will officially open Friday, Sept. 9 at 7 a.m. ET during ABC's "Good Morning America," CBS's "The Early Show" and NBC's "The Today Show," and local affiliate morning shows on FOX, The WB and UPN.

Phone lines will remain open during the daytime and be promoted on such shows as ABC's "The View" and then continue into the network late night programs, including ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live", CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson"; and NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "Last Call with Carson Daly."

At various points during these programs -- either through on-air talent or on-screen messages -- viewers will be advised where they can donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Participation will vary by program.

In addition, it was announced that all contributions collected from the morning, primetime and late-night fundraising efforts will go to either the American Red Cross or The Salvation Army, depending on the donor's preference.

As previously announced, musical performers scheduled to appear on "Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast" include Sheryl Crow, Dixie Chicks, Alicia Keys, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart and Neil Young. Celebrity participants include Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Ellen DeGeneres, Jack Nicholson, Chris Rock, Ray Romano and Sela Ward.

Additional outlets that signed on today to carry the "Shelter From the Storm" primetime simulcast, which will be broadcast live (8 to 9 p.m. ET/CT; tape delayed PT/MT), include AmericanLife TV, CNBC, Court TV, Fox Movie Channel, FUEL TV, Fox College Sports Pacific, GSN, Lifetime, MSNBC, Showtime, SPEED Channel, Style Network and many Infinity Radio stations.

In addition to ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The WB, UPN and PBS Stations, other previously announced outlets include ABC Family, Black Family Channel, Bravo, E!, Fox Reality, FSN Ohio, FSN South, FSN West, FX, G4, Ovation, Oxygen, PAX, SOAPnet, TBS, The Tennis Channel, Trio, TV Guide Channel, TV One, USA Network and WGN. The special will also be broadcast in more than 100 countries around the world including programming services in Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Taiwan, Asia, India, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Japan, Israel and Iceland.

The entertainment special/fundraising event will salute the brave citizens in the devastated areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and pay tribute to the rescue personnel guiding relief efforts in the region. Joel Gallen, who produced the unprecedented "America: A Tribute to Heroes" telethon in September 2001, will executive produce the special.