'DATELINE NBC' HIDDEN CAMERA INVESTIGATION EXPOSES INTERNET SEXUAL PREDATORS - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Report Includes Startling Confrontations Between Correspondent Chris Hansen and Internet Sexual Predators Caught in Dateline Investigation

NEW YORK -- September 20, 2004 -- In a revealing hour-long report, "Dateline NBC" correspondent Chris Hansen investigates an epidemic spreading throughout America - sexual predators trolling Internet chat rooms in pursuit of children. The broadcast airs on Friday, Sept. 24 (8:00 PM, ET). It includes reactions from parents and children about the report's findings and gives parents advice about how to protect their children from this pervasive danger.

With consumer groups warning parents that adults looking for sex will approach one-of-out-five U.S. children who are online, "Dateline NBC's" investigation, with the help of online watchdog group, Perverted Justice, illustrates how easy it is for offenders to operate. For the investigation, members of Perverted Justice pretend to be 12 to 14 year old children chatting online. Within hours, the undercover operatives are solicited for sex and sent alarmingly graphic sexual images.

When the men appear for what they believe will be a rendezvous with the minor at an undercover house, they are instead confronted by Hansen. The hidden camera investigation exposes 18 men in two and a half days, giving viewers a glimpse at how widespread the problem is. One of the most alarming cases involves a New York City firefighter.

David Corvo is the executive producer of "Dateline NBC."