MSNBC to Broadcast Live from 2013 ESSENCE FESTIVAL

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.