Emmys canceled in wake of military strike

LOS ANGELES -- The Emmy Awards telecast, delayed three weeks by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, was canceled Sunday after United States and Britain launched a military attack in Afghanistan.

It was the first cancellation in the awards' 53-year history.

There was no immediate statement from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which presents the awards.

CBS spokeswoman Susan Marks, which announced the cancellation, did not elaborate on the network's decision.

The ceremony was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CDT.

The television industry had grappled in the weeks following the attack with holding a celebration like the Emmys.

The Recording Academy canceled its 2nd Annual Latin Grammys show on Sept. 11.

Emmy organizers tried to create a night of muted celebration, asking participants to cut back on red-carpet fanfare and forgo showy gowns and tuxedoes for business attire.

Veteran newsman Walter Cronkite was invited to help set a serious tone. The ceremony on CBS, with master of ceremonies Ellen DeGeneres, was to include tributes to heroes and victims of the attacks on New York and Washington.