A+E Networks Gears Up for Global Broadcast of ‘Race in America’ Concert

NEW YORK: A+E Networks and iHeartMedia have added to the lineup of artists performing for the special event Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America, which airs tonight.

The concert, inspired by the response of the Mother Emanuel family members in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine people were killed by a gunman acting out of racial prejudice, was recorded at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on November 18. The two-hour special event will air across the entire A+E Networks portfolio in more than 130 territories globally, including A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, H2, LMN and FYI, as well as on more than 130 iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations nationwide and the iHeartRadio digital platform. Additionally, AOL has joined in the simulcast, making the special event available on its website. It will air tonight at 8 p.m., followed by a one-hour companion special, Shining a Light: Conversations on Race in America, which will air on A&E Network and on AOL.com immediately following the concert.

Artists Aloe Blacc, Andra Day, Nick Jonas, Tom Morello, Smokey Robinson and Big Sean join previously announced performers, including Zac Brown Band, Eric Church, Jamie Foxx, Rhiannon Giddens, Tori Kelly, John Legend, Miguel, Pink, Jill Scott, Ed Sheeran, Sia, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Pharrell Williams. Meanwhile, LL Cool J, Marshall Faulk, Morgan Freeman, George Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Kurt Warner and Nick Young are among the presenters joining the telecast. 

The concert kicks off A+E Networks’ campaign to confront issues of race and to promote unity and progress on racial equity. Both the concert and ancillary programming will help raise money for the Fund for Progress on Race in America, powered by United Way Worldwide.

Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America is produced by Ken Ehrlich Productions in conjunction with A+E Networks and iHeartMedia. Shining a Light: Conversations on Race in America is produced by Lincoln Square Productions and Ken Ehrlich Productions in conjunction with A&E Network.