Posted on: Monday, August 18, 2003

Networks plan no 9-11 specials

By David Bauder
Associated Press

Two years removed from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, broadcast networks will mark the anniversary with news stories, but aren't planning to interrupt their regular schedules.

NBC hasn't firmed up its plans, but like ABC and CBS it doesn't expect any prime-time specials. The networks are waiting to see if New York City will announce any commemorations worth covering.

ABC said its regularly scheduled news programs that week would examine the question of whether or not Americans are safer than before Sept. 11, 2001.

The network will assess the level of damage done to al-Qaida's terrorist network, whether the money used to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks was well spent, and the balance between civil liberties and domestic security.

CBS will station Harry Smith at ground zero for Sept. 11's edition of "The Early Show." A night earlier, on "60 Minutes II," CBS will rerun Scott Pelley's interview with President Bush conducted at the time of the first anniversary.