Nickelodeon, BET & CBS Sports Go Off Air In Support Of ‘Justice, Equality & Human Rights’

On Monday, Nickelodeon went off the air for eight minutes and 46 seconds “in support of justice, equality, and human rights.” The network showed a video titled “I Can’t Breathe,” which called attention to racial injustice and police brutality that has sparked national protests and an outcry on social media.

The entirety of the video featured a black screen with the words “I Can’t Breathe” going in and out of the clip as someone is heard breathing in the background. The video was a reference to George Floyd’s recent death by a police officer who kneeled on the man’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.

At the bottom of the screen, Nickelodeon encouraged its viewers to join “@colorofchange” by texting “DEMANDS” to the number 55156 “to call on public officials across the country to take real action.” 

Along with supporting “justice, equality, and human rights,” Nickelodeon also announced their “Declaration of Kids’ Rights” which said: “You have the right to be seen, heard, and respected as a citizen of the world. You have the right to a world that is peaceful. You have the right to be treated with equality, regardless of the color of your skin. You have the right to be protected from harm, injustice, and hatred. You have the right to an education that prepares you to run the world. You have the right to your opinions and feelings, even if others don’t agree with them.”

Nickelodeon joined a group of networks including BET and CBS Sports Network who went dark for eight minutes and 46 seconds on Monday.