TV & VIDEO - Aug. 11, 1987

Countering recent reports that telethons are doomed to extinction, Jerry Lewis says his Labor Day telethon is alive and well after a run of nearly a quarter of a century. Lewis admitted that the reports of rising production costs and waning viewer interest have caused some jitters among corporate sponsors who contribute millions annually to Lewis’ annual 21 1/2-hour Muscular Dystrophy show. But the funnyman added that his 21 telethons have raised more than $400 million, and that this year’s edition already has more than 200 stations on line. The show will be telecast from Caesars Palace Sept. 6-7.