MTV, BET & Others Go Dark To Support Student Gun Violence Protests

Viacom is standing behind the nationwide student protests.

While tens of thousands of students across America walked out of classes Wednesday morning for 17 minutes— one minute for each victim in last month’s Florida shooting— stations under Viacom networks went dark and suspended programming in support.

On Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. local time, MTV, BET, and Comedy Central cut programming and switched to news coverage of the National Student Walkout instead of their regularly scheduled broadcasts. During the walkout, MTV gave students control over its social media accounts.

Over 2,800 schools and student groups participated in the protest organized by Empower, the youth branch of the Women’s March. “Our elected officials must do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to this violence,” the organization states on its website.

READ: Nikolas Cruz Charged With 17 Counts Of Murder In Florida School Shooting

READ: Florida Superintendent Calls For A Smarter Safety System Following School Shooting

Viacom will also be using its various tv channels to promote the March For Our Lives rally at the nation’s capital on March 24. MTV and Comedy Central’s logos will turn orange for 10 days leading up to the march. BET vows to offer grants to “youth activists with innovative ideas about addressing gun violence and mental health issues.” Comedy Central’s satirical news shows like “The Daily Show” and “The Opposition,” will continue covering “the growing anti-gun violence movement in the country.” Nickelodeon will also recognize the march during the Kids’ Choice Awards, which airs the night of the march, while Viacom says CMT (Country Music Television) will “work with the country music industry on its efforts to support gun safety.”