NBC to hold tsunami telethon

NBC has announced that it will be airing a live primetime special to raise funds for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster that occurred on Boxing Day.

The special will broadcast on NBC and all of the company's other channels on Saturday, January 15. Details of the programme are as yet unclear, although it is expected to be a mix of celebrity appearances and musical performances punctuated with advice on how to make donations for the relief fund via telephone.

The hour-long special will go out live on the East Coast at 8pm and an hour later on the West Coast. It can also be seen on the Sci Fi Channel, USA, Bravo, CNBC, Telemundo, MSNBC and Trio.