It's Official: Al Sharpton Gets His Own MSNBC Show

The former civil rights leader and minister will host "PoliticsNation" at 6 p.m.

 

Al Sharpton has earned himself an anchor chair at MSNBC. Network president Phil Griffin announced on Tuesday that Sharpton will host "PoliticsNation," a nightly news program at 6 p.m. set to debut August 29. MSNBC describes the show as "a lively and informed discussion of the top headlines, bringing viewers [Sharpton's] take on events in his signature style" in a press release, and Sharpton called the mission "a natural extension of my life work and growth." The news follows weeks of rumors that Sharpton and the network were negotiating a deal.

Not everybody thinks it's a good idea for Al Sharpton to play journalist. Citing Sharpton's lack of journalism experience and commitment not to criticize the president, Glenn Greenwald likened MSNBC hiring Al Sharpton to "hiring a physician who vows never to treat any diseases, or employing an auto mechanic who pledges never to fix any cars." A member of National Association of Black Journalists has similarly said that Sharpton at MSNBC would just be "another non-journalist media 'celebrity' receiving a TV show based upon their name recognition, not their years of experience, training, ability and talent."

Correction: An earlier version of this post attributed the NABJ statement to the organization. In fact, it was only one member whose statements do not represent the opinion of the entire organization.