Television networks talking about showing industrywide telethon

Monday, September 17th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) _ Television networks are talking about airing an industrywide telethon Friday night as a benefit to raise money for relief and recovery from the terrorist attacks.

The goal is to show the special, which would last two or three hours, on as many broadcast and cable networks as possible simultaneously, according to three industry executives who requested anonymity.

Such an event is believed to have no precedent within the television industry.

No names of entertainers have yet committed publicly to the effort, although it's believed it won't be difficult to get cooperation.

After the attack Tuesday morning, ABC, CBS and NBC aired news reports continuously and commercial-free through Saturday. The broadcasters all covered the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday.