The second star-studded Stand up to Cancer event was held last night in Los Angeles featuring cancer survivors — including ABC’s Robin Roberts — and those currently battling the disease — including Michael Douglas who is the voice of “NBC Nightly News.” They pleaded for Americans to open their pocketbooks to help eradicate the disease. One of the organizers of the event, CBS’s Katie Couric Tweeted throughout the show, attaching backstage photos (above) and updates about the program. A final total raised has not yet been released.

• The Washington Post: Diane Sawyer, Brian Williams and Katie Couric opened the show — a nightly news Yalta — and helped blur the distinction between heartfelt caring and science journalism. Much of the show was devoted to light-speed news clips that sought to inform viewers on some of the latest developments, made possible in part by the vast machine that raises money for cancer research.

• USA Today: Before the event began, NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, who co-hosted along with his network competitors Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer, said in the press tent, “Yes, we are going to go on the air during a recession. We’re going to ask Americans to give money because this one’s for the team. This one affects all of us.”

Watch the program, after the jump…