MTV, VH1 to air Live 8 performances uninterrupted
Your parents might not listen, your teachers might not listen, but MTV, apparently, listens. Responding to viewers and critics, MTV Networks has announced that it will broadcast 10 hours of Live 8 performance footage - including sets from Jay-Z, U2, Paul McCartney and others - commercial-free on MTV and VH1.
MTV and VH1 will each offer five hours of uninterrupted performance footage with differing artist lineups on Saturday. VH1 will air its Live 8 highlights from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, while MTV's batch of highlights will roll out from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"At MTV and VH1, we're in a constant and candid dialogue with our audience, and in the wake of the live events last Saturday, our viewers have resoundingly told us online they want to see full-set performances from their favorite artists," MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler said of the move. "As a result of viewer demand and thanks to the Live 8 organizers and performers, MTV and VH1 will air 10 consecutive hours from one of the most important musical events of our time."
MTV has also announced plans to roll out a half-hour special on the issues behind the Live 8 event on Friday at 9 p.m. ET. "Live 8: Next Steps" will re-air at 8 p.m. on Saturday immediately following the Live 8 highlights.
Both MTV and VH1 will air performances by U2, Pink Floyd, Orchestra Baobab, Coldplay and Sir Paul McCartney. MTV's coverage will also include performances by Linkin Park, Jay-Z, the Killers, Kanye West and Green Day, while VH1's coverage will add Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews Band, Sting and Maroon 5 to the mix. Viewers can also expect to see performances by Destiny's Child, Madonna, Dido, R.E.M., Snoop Dogg, Good Charlotte, Audioslave, Mariah Carey, Robbie Williams and the Who, among others. (MTV News)
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