Updated: Thousands of US stations donate aid airtime

Thousands of TV and radio stations across the United States will donate airtime for fundraising efforts on September 9, the National Asociation of Broadcasters announced today.

Local stations are frequently interrupting network programming to broadcast additional news updates on the constantly-changing situation in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Some, like North Carolina's WRAL, are streaming those updates online. Many stations in the affected region are also streaming their non-stop coverage online; see LostRemote for details.

On "BroadcastUnity Day," local stations will voluntarily donate airtime for "roadblock"-style coverage of fundraising efforts in local communities from coast-to-coast.

"Broadcasters are a lifeline to communities in times of crisis, and Hurricane Katrina has touched America's soul like no natural disaster in our history," said Eddie Fritts, president and CEO of the NAB. "NAB is pleased to make a one million dollar cash donation to aid victims of this tragedy, and I'm confident that local radio and television stations will exceed our $100 million target."

In addition to the BroadcastUnity efforts, telethons are being organised by the major broadcast networks. On Friday September 9, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The WB and UPN are joining together for a massive simulcast telethon at 8pm ET. On September 10, MTV is airing its own relief concert. The networks of NBC Universal are also airing a fundraising programme tonight (Friday).