MTV Launches Socially Conscious Network

At once saving the world and giving the growing number of activist consumers a place to gather, MTV Networks has launched Think.MTV.com. The community site will help the network and popular artists attach themselves to socially conscious causes, serve as a platform for users to focus on related ideas, and help various non-profit groups and consumer brands reach concentrated demographics through advertising.

Executives at MTV said the inspiration for the site came from a study conducted last year, which found that 80% of young people want to actively help their community, but only 19% are "very involved."

To help these aspiring youths, the site features the usual toolkit of blogs, videos, profiles, podcasts, and other features to help them get educated, share their passions, and facilitate action groups.

"The Think Community was built to catalyze a sea change in youth activism," said Christina Norman, president of MTV.

Not alone in this undertaking, MTV has launched Think with the support of some serious institutions, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Case Foundation, the Goldhirsh Foundation, and the MCJ Foundation, among others.

The site, which is still in its beta launch stage, will be promoted mainly on MTV and on other MTVN channels, including VH1, when they feature shows on relevant issues.

Other weighty supporters include the United Nations and the Boys and Girls Club as well as contributions from Bono, Jay-Z, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Rock and other notables.

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