R. Thomas Umstead

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.

Latest articles by R. Thomas Umstead

Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty handles the ball during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on September 8, 2024
WNBA Playoffs Continue: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (Sept. 28-29)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
Press conference for PFL's October 19 PPV fight between Francis Ngannou (left) and Renan Ferreira
Professional Fighters League Packs a Domestic, International MMA Punch (TV Sportsplay)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

PFL founder Donn Davis says his franchise is building momentum with fans

Programming
Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons gets tackled by Avonte Maddox #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024
Weekly Cable Ratings: Falcons-Eagles Gives ESPN a Brotherly Shove Past Fox News

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

‘Monday Night Football’ telecast delivers narrow primetime win for Worldwide Leader

Programming
'Beauty in Black'
Netflix to Debut Tyler Perry Series ‘Beauty in Black’ in October

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

First half of 16-episode drama series premieres October 24

Programming
FX's 'Grotesquerie'
Horror-Themed Series ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon — The Book of Carol;’ ‘Grotesquerie’ Debut: What’s Premiering This Week (Sept. 23-29)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services

Programming
Dick Vitale
B+C Hall of Fame 2024: Dick Vitale

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

College Basketball Analyst, ESPN (Humanitarian Award)

Fates & Fortunes
Douglas V. Holloway
B+C Hall of Fame 2024: Douglas V. Holloway

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

President, Homewood Media

Fates & Fortunes
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks for teammates cutting to the basket during the WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics on September 19h, 2024
WNBA Playoffs Tip Off: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (Sept. 21-22)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
Starz's 'Fat Joe Talks'
Starz’s ‘Fat Joe Talks’ To Bow in October

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Method Man set as first guest of interview series

Programming
HBO's 'Industry'
HBO Renews ‘Industry’ for Season 4

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Series’ season-3 finale set for Sept. 29

Programming
ean "Diddy" Combs attends Sean "Diddy" Combs Fulfills $1 Million Pledge To Howard University At Howard Homecoming – Yardfest at Howard University on October 20, 2023
ID To Develop Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Docuseries Following Sex-Trafficking Indictment

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Series to focus on Combs’ career rise and fall

Programming
Fox News
Weekly Cable Ratings: Presidential Debate Coverage Helps Fox News Three-Peat in Primetime

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Trump assassination attempt leads network to win on total day chart

Programming
Sean Diddy Combs
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Arrested, Indicted on Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Hip-hop mogul and former Revolt TV owner charged with heading ‘criminal organization’ engaging in sex crimes, forced labor, obstruction of justice

Programming
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez
Disney Plus’s ‘Agatha All Along’; ‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’ on FX: What’s Premiering This Week (Sept. 16-22)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services

Programming
Cast and producers of ‘Shogun’ on stage at the 76th Emmy Awards.
Emmys: FX Has Big Emmys Night With Multiple Wins for ‘The Bear,’ ‘Shōgun’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

‘Hacks’ pulls upset win for best comedy series; ‘Baby Reindeer’ wins as outstanding limited series

Programming
Starz's 'Three Women'
‘Actors Love When You Can Play Characters That Provoke Conversation’: Blair Underwood on His ‘Three Women’ Role as Unconventional Husband

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Starz drama series debuts Sept. 13

Programming
Canelo Alvarez throws a left against Jaime Munguia in their super middleweight championship title fight at T-Mobile Arena on May 04, 2024
Alvarez-Berlanga Boxing, ‘UFC 306’: What's On this Weekend in TV Sports (Sept. 14-15)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
(From l.): Lee Berke, Narendra Nag, Rick Allen and Wim Sweldens on a Next TV Summit panel
Next TV Summit: Why Sports Teams Are Changing the TV Play to Streaming

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Sports exec panelists say the RSN business isn’t dead, but DTC services are needed to reach rabid fans

Programming
Fox News' 'Hannity'
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Repeats in Primetime, Extends Total-Day Winning Streak

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

ESPN finishes second in primetime

Programming
James Earl Jones attends the 62nd annual Outer Critics Circle awards at Sardi's on May 24, 2012.
Veteran Entertainer James Earl Jones Dies

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award winner was 93

Programming
Paramount Plus' 'Tulsa King'
Paramount Plus Crowns New Season of ‘Tulsa King;’ ‘The Old Man’ Returns to FX: What’s Premiering This Week (Sept. 9-15)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services

Programming
Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024
NFL Regular Season Debuts, U.S. Open Concludes: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (Sept. 7-8)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
Keke Palmer in Peacock's 'The Burbs'
Keke Palmer To Star in Peacock’s ‘The Burbs’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Streaming service gives straight-to-series order to reimagining of 1989 film

Programming
Gutfeld
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Returns to Top Spot in Primetime

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

News network sweeps August total day chart

Programming
'Evolution of the Black Quarterback' on Prime Video
Prime Video To Stream ‘Evolution of the Black Quarterback’ Docuseries in September

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

3-part sports documentary series to debut Sept. 24

Programming
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