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NBC has apologised for a sketch in its Emmy Awards programme in which presenter Conan O’Brien was shown in a plane crash.

The pre-recorded clip was shown in the US on the same day that an air crash in Lexington, Kentucky killed 49 people.

“In no way would we ever want to make light of this terrible tragedy,” the network said in a statement.

The show fared poorly in the ratings, with only 16.1 million tuning in - its fourth smallest audience.

Shown at the beginning of Sunday night’s show, the sketch parodied the premise of hit TV show Lost by having O’Brien crash-land on a desert island.

Tim Gilbert, president of NBC’s Lexington affiliate WLEX, said the station had been “horrified” by its inclusion following Sunday morning’s accident.

‘Unfortunate timing’

Only one person survived after a Comair CRJ-100 jet bound for Atlanta crashed shortly after taking off from Lexington’s airport.

In its statement, NBC said the skit was “meant to spoof some of television’s most well-known scenes”. “The timing was unfortunate and we regret any unintentional pain we have caused,” it continued.

Barry Manilow
Manilow postponed hip surgery to appear at the Emmys
The Emmys ceremony had been moved from its traditional September slot to make way for NBC’s American Football coverage.

This, combined with the lack of nominations for such popular shows as Lost and Desperate Housewives, has been cited as a cause for its low viewing figures.

The Emmys had also attracted criticism over its nomination procedures in the light of revelations that actress Ellen Burstyn had been shortlisted for a performance that lasted just 15 seconds.

Last year’s event, broadcast on rival network CBS, was seen by an average 18.8 million viewers.

# Singer Barry Manilow has reportedly made good on a pledge he made at the Emmys by taking his award with him to hospital as a good luck charm.

When collecting his prize for outstanding variety performance, the 63-year-old promised to have it beside him while he underwent hip surgery in California.

According to his publicist, Monday’s operation to repair cartilage tears in both hips went “swimmingly”.

The performer is now recuperating at his Palm Springs home and will be back on stage in October.

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Among all the glamour of the red carpet arrivals and glitz of the show, Manilow, the flamboyant silver fox, stole the show.

He was one of many surprise winners at TV’s big night, where the drama series 24 and its star, Kiefer Sutherland, reigned supreme and newcomer Grey’s Anatomy was snubbed.

Australia had only two nominees, Jackman and a long-time favourite of Emmy voters, Judy Davis, although neither won.

“Holy mackerel! I can’t be more surprised,” a shocked Manilow said.

He was up against Jackman, for his role as host of the Tony Awards, and TV talkshow host David Letterman in the individual performance in a variety or music program category.

Manilow, who won the Emmy for a taped performance of his Las Vegas show, Music and Passion, will enter hospital tomorrow to have both hips operated on.

“This goes into the operating room with me tomorrow as a good luck charm,” Manilow said of his Emmy.

24 won the prestigious awards for best drama, best actor and best director.

Keifer Sutherland, who plays FBI agent Jack Bauer in the thriller series, was humble as he accepted his gong as best leading man.

“Every once in a while you’ll have an evening that just reminds you that you’re given too much, and this is that evening,” Sutherland said as he accepted his award.

“This experience on 24 has been nothing but remarkable for me.”

The US version of British series The Office won the best comedy series award but the show’s star, Steve Carell, was beaten for best comedy actor by Tony Shalhoub from Monk.

“I just want to say it’s gratifying to be chosen from such a distinguished group of loser actors,” Shalhoub said.

Alan Alda from West Wing won best supporting actor in a drama series — a record 26th Emmy for a drama series.

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