As the networks scramble to cover the disaster from Moore, Oklahoma, each has tried to find the right response to the tragedy. While the death toll is currently at 51, that number is expected to climb.
NBC News announced late last night that the network will pull a recap episode of The Voice in favor of an hour-long special covering the devastation. NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams dedicated its entire broadcast last night to the event and will be live from Moore tonight. Williams will also host the hour-long special, which will come on before a live edition of The Voice.
NBC News also had the entire Today Show crew on the ground in Oklahoma.
As we previously reported, CBS made a quick decision last night to pull the Mike & Molly season finale because of its plot, which centered on a tornado. The network didn’t say when the episode would air and opted to air a rerun in its place.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Tom Bergeron, the host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, gave an emotional speech after the live show came back from a commercial. He asked the audience not to applaud, explaining, “We’re a live show, and as such, occasionally we go to air in the shadow of tragic events. That happened April 15, when we went to air hours after the Boston bombing. And it’s happened again today. While we’re having a celebration here [in the ballroom], we want you to know our thoughts are with everyone who’s been affected by the devastating tornado in Oklahoma City.” He then asked the audience to clap for the first responders.
ABC News carried a special episode of Nightline and the story was the lead topic for World News with Diane Sawyer.
CBS News had full coverage during CBS This Morning, with Norah O’Donnell being dispatched to Moore. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network has sent Scott Pelley there for tonight’s Evening News broadcast.
The tornado has killed at least 51 people, including 20 children. The medical examiner is expecting at least 40 more bodies.