"ViacomCBS Networks Air 8:46-Min Commercial In Tribute To George Floyd, Victims Of Police Brutality"

"ViacomCBS is using its commercial air on properties BET, MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, and kids network Nickelodeon to commemorate George Floyd and show solidarity with protesters nationwide who are demonstrating against police brutality and institutional racism.

Yesterday, the broadcaster ran a solemn ad that was eight minutes and 46 seconds long — precisely the amount of time that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck, including roughly three minutes during which Floyd appeared unconscious. Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, while the three other officers involved in Floyd’s arrest have been fired, but not charged with any crimes.

The ViacomCBS ad consists of breathing sounds set to a black screen, as the words ‘I Can’t Breathe’ — which Floyd repeatedly screamed while in police custody — flash onscreen with each inhalation. The ad also features a call to action, instructing users to text Color Of Change — a nonprofit organization formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that provides both digital and IRL ways to fight racial injustice. The ad ran yesterday at 5 pm ET on the above networks, as well as Paramount Networks, TV Land, CMT, Logo, and CBS Sports — all of which comprise ViacomCBS’ so-called ‘Entertainment & Youth Group’."