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Voice of America  Reporting  from North Carolina

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Additional News Releases

Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2001 -- Voice of America (VOA) radio and WORLDNET Television will broadcast, live and worldwide this evening, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT, "America: A Tribute To Heroes," a telethon in support of Americans who have directly suffered from last week's terrorist attacks in the U.S. 

Entertainment greats such as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, and a host of others, have volunteered their time and resources to what promises to be a monumental occasion. 

Live coverage of the program will be provided, in its entirety, by WORLDNET Television; VOA Music Mix, VOA's satellite music network for international broadcasters; and VOA News Now, which will switch from its usual 24-hour English news format.  In addition, many VOA non-English language broadcast services will air segments of the telethon during their normal programs.

Broadcasting Board of Governors member Norm Pattiz, whose Westwood One network is distributing tonight's telethon to radio stations around the world and who was instrumental in arranging for VOA's broadcast of the program, said "America: A Tribute To Heroes," is tailor made for U.S. international broadcasting.  It will show the best of America, even as it shows the world how our country has come together in the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks on our homeland."

The Voice of America is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. Government. VOA broadcasts over 900 hours of news, informational, educational, and cultural programming every week to some 91 million worldwide.  Programs are produced and broadcast in English and 52 other languages.  WORLDNET Television provides news and public affairs programs that reflect American life, and discussion on United States foreign and domestic policies on seven satellites, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, to a worldwide audience through broadcast outlets, cable systems, and direct-to-home satellite receivers.

The presidentially-appointed Broadcasting Board of Governors is responsible for all U.S. Government supported international broadcasting, including the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio and TV Marti broadcasts to Cuba and the WORLDNET satellite television service.

For additional information, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (202) 619-2538 or send email to pubaff@voa.gov.