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
![Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6LPHEXn7bg2z5UGQ2d34fS-320-80.jpeg)
Baseball Is Back, March Madness Continues and Prime Video Steps Into the Ring: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (March 30-31)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Tim Tszyu connects with a punch against Brian Mendoza during the WBO super-welterweight world title bout between Tim Tszyu and Brian Mendoza at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 15, 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YXuxE2cxC64VExT2DmqBD-320-80.jpeg)
‘Boxing Is a Great Fit As It Relates to Our Portfolio of Live Sports Properties’: Prime Video’s Charlie Neiman Talks Up the Sweet Science Ahead of PPV Debut (Q&A)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Prime Video's March 30 Tim Tszyu-Sebastian Fundora PPV event is first of 12 potential live boxing cards for streaming service
![Martin Scorsese](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/K3hStXNAhofdBTLPHj8Hs9-320-80.jpg)
Fox Nation Taps Martin Scorsese for ‘The Saints’ Documentary Series
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Eight-part series to debut in November
![Sean Hannity](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bdf3UZHHTQQEZrz3cVwdUT-320-80.jpeg)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Holds Off March Madness To Keep Primetime Win Streak Alive
By R. Thomas Umstead published
News network extends total day streak to 11 weeks
![Giancarlo Esposito in 'Parish'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QuiuNqjr2JZj5d2tftMJdV-320-80.jpg)
AMC’s ‘Parish’ Debuts: What’s Premiering This Week (March 25-31)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting on streaming and cable services
![Selena Gomez Selena + Chef HBO Max](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mBKFYHiY33fUyioBFh4wH6-320-80.png)
Disney Channel Sets ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Sequel
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Selena Gomez, David Henrie reprise roles from original Disney Channel series
![Regina King in 'Shirley'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3FDuYVHsTLnGqeCRL7iLg-320-80.jpg)
Brad James: Netflix’s ‘Shirley’ Cast ‘Stacked’ to Tell Story of Groundbreaking Politician (Video)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Regina King, Lance Reddick, Terrance Howard star in film about Shirley Chisholm’s historic run for president
![Melvin Council Jr. #11 of the Wagner Seahawks defends a shot by Elliot Cadeau #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 21, 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ft7LyFCfUasyZZXttDfQiQ-320-80.jpeg)
‘March Madness’ Takes Center Court: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (March 23-24)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Fox News' 'MediaBuzz'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/abdppaDUpzCmTvuSdB2VV-320-80.jpg)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Notches 10th Straight Win on Total Day Chart
By R. Thomas Umstead published
News network also wins ninth straight primetime race
![The Way Home on Hallmark Channel](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ggt8CzcVSXwYDnq3Nm6vMJ-320-80.jpg)
Hallmark Channel Renews Drama Series 'The Way Home'
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Series starring Andie MacDowell to return for third season
![Bellator](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gCRhhFaHodzZEuCkkdM8Be-320-80.png)
Warner Bros. Discovery Strikes Bellator MMA Media Rights Deal
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Max to air eight Bellator championship events, truTV to televise Bellator-themed content
![Keith Thurman](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XSxKPq2gV9BHFeyxwkyxpN-320-80.jpg)
Injured Keith Thurman Off of Prime Video PPV Fight Card; Sebastian Fundora to Fight Tim Tszyu in Main Event Bout
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Streaming service's inaugural PPV event still slated for March 30
![BET Plus' 'Diarra From Detroit'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YN7xhMPPtEtHS59kdmbThM-320-80.jpg)
‘It Made Me Laugh, It Made Me Wonder … and It Made Me Want To Watch More’: BET Studios Chief on Its First Scripted Series (Q&A)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
EVP Aisha Summers Burke talks about new BET Plus dark comedy ‘Diarra From Detroit’ and the overall effort to create more content for Black viewers
![‘Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal’ on Peacock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6qToWFaQJCVAmSu3jvZdqm-320-80.jpg)
Peacock Sets Documentary on WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt (Video)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
'Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal' debuts April 1
![Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in Netflix series ‘Shirley‘](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ocEcsGQh7Fiq7pxkwMYedD-320-80.jpg)
Prime Video’s ‘Road House’ Film Reboot; Netflix's Series ’Shirley’: What's Premiering This Week (March 18-24)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
![Maitane Lopez #77 of Gotham FC defending against Rose Lavelle #16 of OL Reign during NWSL Cup Final game between NJ/NY Gotham City FC and OL Reign at Snapdragon Stadium on November 11, 2023 in San Diego, California](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/opJYCfy2Zrr9q985dmmK9j-320-80.jpeg)
March Madness Brackets Get Set, NWSL Kicks Off: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (March 16-17)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
!['Yellowjackets'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CWS42WtLQgNhaaGVdsigpY-320-80.jpg)
‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Yellowjackets’ Top GLAAD Media Awards Winners
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Oprah Winfrey, Niecy Nash-Betts also honored during Los Angeles ceremony
![Snowpiercer comes to an end on TNT](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y8cVCXZ6gsh7XQiHkCHAsB-320-80.jpg)
AMC To Air Final Season of ‘Snowpiercer’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Acquires rights to season 4 of post-apocalyptic drama after series was canceled by TNT
![Gayle King interviews Serena Williams at a TED Conference in Vancouver, Canada.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LGkimtGCBowefAgUsdaYh3-320-80.jpg)
The Africa Channel To Launch Series ‘TED Talks on TAC‘
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Shonda Rhimes, Serena Williams, Gayle King among speakers to be featured
![Prime Video's 'Gloves Off'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k88U8sCHKMWopsRxPHLGNF-320-80.jpg)
Prime Video to Launch ‘Gloves Off' Documentary Boxing Series
By R. Thomas Umstead published
‘Suits’ isn't the only show from the channel’s Bonnie Hammer era doing well on Netflix right now
!['Power'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mMyh4kyMmdgjz4cF39HJRA-320-80.jpg)
Starz Sets ‘Power’ Prequel ‘Origins’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Fourth show in franchise tells how ‘Power’ characters Ghost and Tommy got their start
![Fox News' Martha MacCallum and Bret Bair](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fk6LT67qX25LC8Y4hn5qbZ-320-80.jpg)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Hits Yearly Primetime Audience High
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Network’s State of The Union address coverage helps propel viewership
![Sam Neill and Annette Bening in 'Apples Never Fall'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KAAcG4byFcBP2K5xyDAjzJ-320-80.png)
Peacock's 'Apples Never Fall' Debuts, 'Girls5eva' Returns on Netflix: What's Premiering This Week: (March 11-17)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services