It's hard to predict what consumer behaviour is going to be towards an awards show in terms of viewing habits

Blockbuster spokeswoman

Blockbuster spokeswoman Liz Greene said: "It's hard to predict what consumer behaviour is going to be towards an awards show in terms of viewing habits."

She added that the seemingly heightened potential for being upstaged by world events had also contributed to the decision.

A Fox spokesman said the network "had nothing to do with their cancellation".

Effect

International video rental company Blockbuster - of which 80% is owned by media giant Viacom Inc - was on the verge of having to make a final commitment on whether to go ahead with its awards.

This would have meant laying down money towards the event and opening its in-house voting process for deciding on the winners.

The Blockbuster awards are given out in more than 60 categories.

Ellen DeGeneres finally presented a subdued Emmys show

The show honours performers in film genres ranging from horror to action to science fiction, with categories such as best villain and favourite action team.

The climate of uncertainty has taken its toll on the US entertainment industry.

The stop-start saga of the Primetime Emmys was a very visible effect of the war on terrorism.

And the show finally went ahead it was watched by one of its smallest TV audiences to date.

This year's Latin Grammy Awards show was cancelled outright as a result of the events of 11 September.

The trophies were later handed out at a non-televised ceremony held for reporters.

America's theatreland has also suffered with high-profile shows on New York's Broadway reporting unpredictable audience numbers, leading in the worse cases to productions closing down.