NBC has announced that it will air a televised benefit on Saturday, January 15 to raise money for the victims of last week's tsunami in Southern Asia. The show, which is expected to be an hour long, will be simulcast on USA, Bravo, Trio, Sci-Fi, MSNBC and CNBC , and will feature musical performances from a lineup yet to be announced.

The show will air live on the East Coast, with a tape delay for viewers on the West coast. Phone lines will be open throughout the evening. The show will also be simulcast on Clear Channel Communications stations throughout the country.

This fundraiser will be similar in nature to the one that was aired by all four major television networks on September 21, 2001, just ten days after the terrorist attacks of September 11. That show, which was called, America: A Tribute to Heroes, raised more than $150 million to help families of victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

A follow-up CD raised additional funds. That program featured performances by some of music's biggest stars including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, The Dixie Chicks, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, and more. Celebrities served as hosts and also took phone pledges during the evening. It was a truly remarkable coming together of talented people.