Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker, cancer survivor Lance Armstrong and other celebrities will take part in a three-network telethon to support cancer research. The hour-long "Stand up to Cancer" will air live and commercial-free on ABC, CBS and NBC on Sept. 5 and feature musical performances and appeals from actors, athletes and journalists.

Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, America Ferrera, Danica Patrick, Salma Hayek, Kirsten Dunst, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Masi Oka and news anchors Charles Gibson, Brian Williams and Katie Couric will be among those taking part.

Former Sen. John Edwards' wife, Elizabeth, and Robin Roberts of ABC's "Good Morning America" also are set to appear. Both women have battled breast cancer.

During the telethon, viewers will be invited to make donations by calling the celebrity-staffed phone bank or by texting.

Such network cooperation is rare but not unprecedented. In 2005, the six biggest broadcasters, along with cable channels, carried a Hurricane Katrina benefit program. In 2001, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox aired a telethon for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Fox was invited to participate in the cancer telethon but declined. In a statement yesterday, Fox called the telethon worthy but said it was focusing on "the global outreach of 'Idol Gives Back,' " its charity effort tied to its hit singing contest "American Idol."

Fox will promote the telethon with public service announcements during the broadcast, the network said. (Associated Press)

WQED Multimedia came out the big winner in the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Emmy nominations, garnering 23 nods, up from 20 last year. Among Pittsburgh stations, KDKA was second with 11 nominations. WPXI had two. Comcast Pittsburgh and Viewpoint Productions had one each.

WTAE does not enter the regional Emmys, but individual staffers can enter on their own.

The regional Emmy Awards recognize excellence in news, programming and individual achievement in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, choosing this year from 709 entries representing the work of more than 30 outlets.

A full list of local nominations can be found in Tuned In Journal at post-gazette.com/tv. (Rob Owen, Post-Gazette TV editor)