A+E Networks to Offer 'Shine' Concert Internationally

A+E Networks will distribute its November Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America event across more than 135 territories internationally, the company said Monday.

The concert, which kicks off A+E Networks’ worldwide campaign to confront issues of race and to promote racial equity, will air Nov. 20 across A+E Networks including A&E, History, Lifetime, H2, LMN and FYI, and will be broadcast on IHeartMedia broadcast radio stations.

 Artists set to perform as part of the concert include 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.

“As a global media company, A+E Networks has the privilege of being invited into the homes of millions of people around the world every day and believe that it is our responsibility to use this incredible platform to inform as well as entertain,” said Nancy Dubuc, President & CEO of A+E Networks in a statement.  “By shining a light on the uncomfortable truth that racial inequity and bias still impact our society, we are looking to inspire people to go beyond short-lived, symbolic gestures.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.