By David Bauder
The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Two years removed from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, broadcast networks will mark the anniversary with news stories, but aren't planning to interrupt their regular schedules.

It's in marked contrast to last year, when broadcasters devoted much of their day to the anniversary with news specials or, in NBC's case, a commemorative concert.

"My sense is that this anniversary, the second anniversary, feels different than the first in scale and the kind of coverage appropriate for the day," said Mark Lukasiewicz, executive producer for special projects at NBC News.

NBC hasn't firmed up its plans but, like ABC and CBS, doesn't expect any prime-time specials. The networks are waiting to see if New York City will announce any commemorations that they will deem worth covering.

ABC said that all of its regularly scheduled news programs that week will examine the question of whether or not Americans are safer than before Sept. 11, 2001.

The network will assess the level of damage done to Osama bin Laden's terrorist network, whether the money used to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks was well-spent and the balance between civil liberties and domestic security.

CBS will station Harry Smith at ground zero for Sept. 11's edition of The Early Show. A night earlier on 60 Minutes II, CBS will rerun Scott Pelley's interview with President Bush conducted at the time of the first anniversary.

While last year was a significant marker for people, the terrorist attacks have become more of an ongoing story, Lukasiewicz said.

"I think this anniversary will be significant to the families and survivors for quiet contemplation," he said.

With more hours of news programming to fill, CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC could be expected to spend more time on the story. CNN and MSNBC said their plans weren't set yet.

White House additions

Jesse Bradford (Swimfan; Clockstoppers) has been hired as the third new recurring character for The West Wing this fall by John Wells, who has taken over the show from creator Aaron Sorkin.

Bradford, 24, who got his start as a child performer in Prancer, will play a spoiled White House intern from a powerful political family for 10 episodes.

Also joining The West Wing cast in part-time roles is Annabeth Gish, 32, (The X-Files) and Steven Eckholdt, 41 (My Big Fat Greek Life; Providence; It's Like, You Know).

Sorkin and director/executive producer Thomas Schlamme resigned in May. Among the writers added by Wells for the fall season are Lawrence O'Donnell (from the first two West Wing seasons), Carol Flint (ER, China Beach) and John Sacret Young (China Beach).

Wells, who also produces ER, will write the Sept. 24 season premiere, and the second episode.

TV today

The three tenors return in a repeat of the 1990 concert, Carreras, Domingo, Pavarotti in Concert (8 p.m., Channel 48).

In a late switch, Law & Order airs a repeat with the late Gregory Hines as a defense attorney who creates a media stir after a female police officer is murdered (10 p.m., Channels 5, 22).

Alternative rock bands Rooney and Alien Ant Farm perform on WB's Pepsi Smash (9 p.m., Channels 64, 26).

Rob Petrie recalls his first job interview with Alan Brady (Carl Reiner) on the Dick Van Dyke Show (9:30 p.m., TV Land).

Talk show guests

Regis and Kelly (9 a.m., Channel 9): Kim Cattrall.

Wayne Brady (10 a.m., Channel 9): James Brolin, M.C. Hammer, Raven-Symone.

The View (11 a.m., Channel 9): Roseanne Barr, Wynonna.

Caroline Rhea (3 p.m., Channel 19): Roma Downey, Margaret Cho.

John Kiesewetter, Zap2it and TV Data contributed to this report.