Several network execs have confirmed to Hollywood.com that the TV celebrity charity event set to take place on Friday night will move forward as planned, despite recent concerns that the massive undertaking could not be realized with such short notice.
The event, titled America: A Tribute to Heroes, which will be broadcast on all four major networks–CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX–is being produced solely to raise funds for relief efforts surrounding the recent terrorist attacks in Manhattan, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.
The star-studded event will feature such celebrities as: Tom Cruise, Faith Hill, Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Robin Williams, Calista Flockhart, Sela Ward, Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Wyclef Jean, Robert De Niro, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Romano, The Dixie Chicks, Jimmy Smits and more.
While the major four networks are carrying the event, broadcasters are also urging other networks and cable outlets to air the proceedings.
The WB has already agreed to carry the broadcast, and a wide range of other networks are following suit.
An MTV spokeswoman told Hollywood.com early Wednesday that they intend to air the event, and are also considering providing MTV talent to appear on the show. The spokeswoman said that the network is prepared to contribute MTV-produced segments. MTV’s counterpart network, VH1, will air the event as well, she said.
HBO also announced on Wednesday that they will air the presentation, as will their sister network HBO Latino.
Other networks that have recently announced that they will carry the event are: Showtime, TNT, Comedy Central, FX, USA, the National Network, Discovery, TLC, Lifetime, Black Entertainment Television, E! Entertainment Television, Court TV, Fox Family Channel and Sundance Channel.
For security reasons, those associated with the show declined to tell Hollywood.com exactly where the show will be held; however, TV Guide has reported that the event will take place in both New York and Los Angeles. Keeping security tight, the show’s producers have refused to allow media coverage of the event both inside and out.
America: A Tribute to Heroes will air from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday night, broadcast live in Eastern and Central time zones and tape-delayed in Mountain and Pacific zones. Producer Joel Gallen (of MTV Movie Awards fame) is slated to produce the event.
