This image was lost some time after publication, but you can still view it here.


Protesters from the group CollegeGOP.org are currently gathered in front of MTV's Santa Monica's offices to protest a Rock the Vote commercial* that they think is slanted against the Bush/Cheney campaign. The problem (or at least one of the problems, depending on your politics) is that Rock the Vote isn't owned by MTV. Readers have sent in this cameraphone pic of the protesters and an MTV internal e-mail about the confused picketers, which is after the jump.

This image was lost some time after publication, but you can still view it here.

As you may have noticed, an organization called CollegeGOP.org has called for a demonstration in front of our building today. This organization has mistakenly attributed to MTV a "Rock The Vote" online ad alleging that a vote for George Bush would be tantamount to a vote for a military draft.* The posting to which they are referring to is on the Rock The Vote website, not MTV's. As part of "Choose or Lose," our non-partisan political awareness campaign, we do partner with Rock the Vote on grassroots and on-line voter registration efforts but we are separate and independent organizations.


MTVN supports the civil liberty of free speech and the right to protest. That said, we have alerted our security staff to make sure any protesters are kept within their legal limits from our building. Please do not engage any protester or speak to any media that might be present. Refer all media calls to XX at 310-752-XXXX as she will be prepared to deal with them directly. If you have any security concerns, please contact facilities immediately at 310-752-XXXX.

*A rep from Rock the Vote contacted us to say that MTV's understanding of the ad, which RTV maintains is nonpartisan, is inaccurate. Here's a link to the ad in question.