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
Starz Gives Early Season Renewal To ‘BMF’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Premium channel greenlights fourth season ahead of season three premiere
TV One to Launch ‘Unsung’ 15th Season (Content Spotlight)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Bobby Caldwell, Blaque, Chingy to be profiled during new season of music documentary
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Rides South Carolina Primary Coverage to Primetime Win
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Fox News Town Hall with Former President Trump helps pace network's sixth straight primetime, total day win
Faith-based Impact Network to Shift to Family-Friendly Lifestyle Programming
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Network to offer entertainment-based movies, series targeted to African-American viewers
Prime Video Sets ‘Overcompensating’ Comedy Series
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Benito Skinner to star, produce college-themed series
OWN Renews 'First-Time Buyers Club'
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Unscripted series gets second season
FX’s ‘Shogun’ Remake Debuts: What’s Premiering This Week (Feb. 26-March 3)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
New York Court Says Lifetime Can Air ‘Where is Wendy Williams?’ Documentary
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Court rules that lawsuit filed by former talk show host’s guardian cannot stop the network from airing documentary
Knicks-Celtics NBA Primetime Action; Major League Soccer Kicks Off: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (Feb. 24-25)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
HBO’s ‘True Detective’ Renewed for Season Five
By R. Thomas Umstead published
‘True Detective: Night Country’ exec producer Issa Lopez to helm new season as part of new HBO production deal
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Holds Off TNT for Primetime Win
By R. Thomas Umstead published
NBA All-Star Game coverage propels network to second-place finish
Producer of the Year: Matt Sharp Hones Reality Hits That Last
By R. Thomas Umstead published
From ‘90 Day Fiancé’ to ‘Man v. Food’ to ‘Love After Lockup,’ Sharp Entertainment chief crafts sturdy franchises that resonate with viewers
FAST Channels Quickly Find Favor With African-American Viewers
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Familiar content, lean-back experience proving popular with Black adults
‘90 Day Fiancé’: A Match Made in Reality Heaven
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Sharp Entertainment’s hit for TLC has drawn viewers — and nurtured spinoffs — for 10 seasons
Sports Executive of the Year: Game On, Says Luis Silberwasser, TNT Sports Chief
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Veteran programmer discusses how to broaden the base for Warner Bros. Discovery’s growing portfolio of events
'Griselda’s’ Martin Rodriguez ‘Excited’ About Early Success of Netflix Series (Video)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Drama series starring Sofia Vergara remains among most watched shows on streaming service
‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ Debuts: What’s Premiering This Week (Feb. 20-25)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
Deborah Riley Draper: ‘James Brown’s Music Is a Blueprint of How to Live in America … and Be Free’ (Content Spotlight)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
‘James Brown: Say It Loud’ director discusses A&E documentary series about The Godfather of Soul's legacy
NBA All-Star Weekend, NHL Stadium Series: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (Feb. 17-19)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis Named 'MCN' Woman of Influence
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Longtime advocate for LGBTQ acceptance to be feted at annual Wonder Woman event March 21
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Notches Fourth-Straight Sweep of Ratings Charts
By R. Thomas Umstead published
MSNBC comes in a distant second on primetime, total day chart
Netflix Renews Comedy Series ‘Survival of The Thickest’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Star Michelle Buteau also sets new standup special
‘The New Look,’ ‘James Brown: Say It Loud,’ ‘The Dynasty: New England Patriots’: What’s Premiering This Week (Feb. 12-19)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services