Cable TV Airing Weeklong ‘Voices Against Violence’

Next week, 53 cable television networks, from A&E and Bravo to The Weather Channel and Z Music, will adjust themselves to accommodate special programming in an unprecedented initiative, “Voices Against Violence Week.”

All 53 networks will use some aspect or aspects of their usual programming to create their own, distinctive perspectives on violence in the real world:

CNBC, in addition to presenting its own news and talk programs on violence, will be the “anchor network” for the initiative, giving viewers a daily overview of what’s available elsewhere in the cable universe.

HBO is airing special documentaries during the week, including “5 American Handguns - 5 American Kids,” on fatal cases of children and pistols.

MTV: Music Television will showcase “MTV News Special Reports” exploring racism in the music industry, “hate rock,” South Central L.A. and “gangsta rap.” “Generation Under the Gun” offers a conversation with kids.

Those networks where antiviolence programming would be even more of a stretch - say, Home & Garden Television - will air a series of public service announcements specially commissioned for the event, including two spots by President Clinton.