NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Billboards in Times Square will go dark for one minute on Wednesday night as a way to call attention to the lack of federal assistance programs to support the hospitality business, small businesses such as restaurants and non-profits affected during the coronavirus crisis.The blackout will be coordinated by the Business Interruption Group, Times Square Alliance, and the NYC Hospitality Alliance and will happen starting at 9 p.m.
"In both the media and our public consciousness, an empty Times Square has become emblematic for how swiftly and severely the social, cultural, and commercial activity of not only our city, but also the main streets across this country have ground to a halt amidst this global pandemic," Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a statement.Over a million LED pixels will go dark during the blackout which will take place on Broadway from 46th Street to 48th Street as well as the entire corner of 47th and 7th Avenue, surrounding Duffy Square.
Following the blackout, the Times Square Alliance says a video urging the federal government and insurance companies to "do the right thing" through the economic impact of the coronavirus will play.
That video features Whoopi Goldberg, Rabbi Marvin Hier of the global Jewish Human Rights Group Simon Wiesenthal Center, Chef Eric Ripert of famed restaurant Le Bernardin, Broadway actress Liz Dutton and other local business leaders.
