MSNBC will broadcast live from The Essence Festival July 4 weekend. The channel is bringing a good chunk of its on-air talent to the festival, which celebrates African American culture and music.
Al Sharpton, Chris Matthews, Chris Hayes, Ed Schultz, Melissa Harris-Perry, Alex Wagner, Tamron Hall, Joy-Ann Reid, Toure, and Mara Schiavocampo will all be attendance, with live editions of many of their shows originating live from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
“As you know, MSNBC over the last few years has changed, and we are really making an effort to reflect this country in the 21st century, and I am not sure that there are many news and information outlets really doing that, I think most of them are stuck in the 20th century,” MSNBC president Phil Griffin said at an event to announce the partnership Thursday evening. “We are taking a huge team [to the festival], because this is so important to us. This fits with who we want to be, and what we are about.”
More information, after the jump.
MSNBC TO BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE 2013 ESSENCE FESTIVAL
Reverend Al Sharpton Announces Special Programming Schedule on PoliticsNation
MSNBC’s Rev. Al Sharpton, Chris Matthews, Chris Hayes, Ed Schultz, Melissa Harris-Perry, Alex Wagner, Tamron Hall, Joy-Ann Reid, Toure, and Mara Schiavocampo to Attend ESSENCE Festival
NEW YORK – June 13, 2013 – MSNBC has teamed up with Essence Communications Inc. for the 2013 ESSENCE Festival held in New Orleans July 4-7. Reverend Al Sharpton was joined by ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks this evening on “PoliticsNation” to announce MSNBC’s special broadcast schedule for the ESSENCE Festival.
The following MSNBC programs will broadcast live from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the ESSENCE Festival:
Friday, July 5:“Now with Alex Wagner” will air at Noon ET followed by “Hardball” at 1 p.m. ET., “NewsNation” at 2 p.m. ET, “PoliticsNation at 3 p.m. ET and then “The Ed Show” at 4 p.m. ET.
Saturday, July 6: “Melissa Harris Perry” will air from 10 a.m. to Noon ET followed by “The Ed Show” at Noon ET and then “PoliticsNation” at 1 p.m. ET.
Sunday, July 7: “Melissa Harris Perry” from 10 a.m. to Noon ET then “The Ed Show” from Noon to 1 p.m. ET and finally “PoliticsNation” from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET.
In addition to the live broadcasts on location, MSNBC will host a unique fan experience that will allow festival goers to join in efforts to strengthen and empower our communities. MSNBC talent including Reverend Al Sharpton, Chris Matthews, Chris Hayes, Ed Schultz, Melissa Harris-Perry, Alex Wagner, Tamron Hall, Joy-Ann Reid, Toure, and Mara Schiavocampo will participate in several ESSENCE Empowerment Experience daytime panels, book signings and meet and greets throughout the weekend.
For more information about the ESSENCE Festival, please visit www.essensefestival.com. More information on MSNBC’s participation can be found at www.essence.msnbc.com.