TelethonWatch: All The Networks Are In
NBC might've been the first out of the gate with its hurricane benefit plan (nabbing Leonardo DiCaprio, to boot, for their Friday "A Concert For Hurricane Relief"), but other, slightly slower-moving but better-rated networks were trailing close behind, as ABC, Fox, and CBS will do their own event early next week. Viacom has also thrown in basic cable events on Sept. 9th on BET and Sept. 10th on MTV, VH1, and CMT. (Got it?) Perhaps realizing that these efforts might seem competitive, first-moving NBC assures us it's all about helping people:
Representatives of the various companies attributed the separate events to efforts to put together fundraisers quickly to help the victims.
NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks said other networks were welcome to participate in Friday's concert and broadcast a feed of the event.
"The more money, the more efforts, the more benefits for the victims," Marks said. "This is no way an exclusionary event. It's about charity and helping people."
Maybe if the NBC folks let the other networks replace the My Name is Earl graphic from their feed with promos for their own Fall shows, everyone could take a deep breath, pool their resources, and have a unified event. Leo would want it that way.
Also: Who needs a telethon when we've got Britney's prayers? And has anyone figured out if Omarion is OK?