• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, September 9, 2005

No longer a truly live TV benefit, this Friday's "Shelter From The Storm: A Concert For The Gulf Coast" will allow celebrities to speak their political mind--but they won't be able to do it in a graphic way.

The six-network simulcast will have a 30-second delay in place--all stemming from that supposed other public benefit--The Super Bowl featuring Janet Jackson and her special, uninvited guest--her breast.

Joel Gallen, who has executive-produced awards shows and other live events, said the delay is for anything purely accidental, such as obscenities. Gallen was the executive producer for the post-9/11 six-network benefit.

The networks hope the event isn't a political platform for any stars--but unfortunately, this is what attracts viewers. It's not enough to see their favorite celebs perform--they want to hear their opinions, good and bad, about the tragedy.

Voyeuristically, viewers seek other, deeper sides to their favorite performers. That's why they are watching--as well as to perhaps contribute. Those opinions--not the performances--are the real reasons for them to pledge.

Networks have a different agenda. As a public service event, they are looking for the easiest way to entertain and raise money for the hurricane victims. But they know that when you get scores of major artists together over a quick period of time--when emotions are running hot and people are pointing fingers--it's quite possible many could go "off-script." During NBC's benefit last Friday, singer Kayne West did just that: "George Bush doesn't care about black people." And he's appearing again at the "Shelter" event.

Viewers already have a keen interest. All three network's prime-time news shows witnessed increased viewership for the events around Hurricane Katrina. Fox News has been up 65 percent; CNN a staggering 246 percent. Tragedies like 9/11, the Tsunami disaster, and now Katrina bring out people's frustrations and opinions. That's why we watch.