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
![Sean O'Malley (L) kicks Marlon Vera of Ecuador in their bantamweight bout during the UFC 252 event at UFC APEX on August 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HyEVdzNSLLozdNdsyZ8oeV-320-80.jpeg)
‘UFC 299,’ College Basketball’s Championship Week: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (March 9-10)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bXb4UTSNhYL2GqF2YryWn4-320-80.jpg)
Netflix Laces Up for Jake Paul-Mike Tyson Boxing Event
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Streamer continues its push into live sports streaming with July 20 fight
![Lisa Hamilton Daly](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ubYM8T9K8CV3WxZUki6WwT-320-80.jpg)
Hallmark Media’s Lisa Hamilton Daly on Hallmark Mystery Rebrand, Upcoming Hallmark Channel Content (Video)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Executive VP of programming says programmer’s family-friendly content continues to appeal to viewers
![Fox News' Trace Gallagher](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ErZZsMu84QjTjBMZQogNpZ-320-80.jpg)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Stays Hot in Primetime
By R. Thomas Umstead published
MSNBC, ESPN round out top three most watched networks for the week
!['Damsel'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mo36CKcqZUb5JejxkzdCkg-320-80.jpg)
Netflix’s ‘Damsel,’ Nat Geo’s ‘Queens’ Launch: What’s Premiering This Week (March 4-10)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
![National Geographic](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hs7XmmiSz5z4wRFfXgjEpJ-320-80.jpg)
National Geographic’s ‘Queens’ Tracks Female Leaders in the Animal Kingdom (Video)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Executive producer says documentary from all-women production team captures never-before-seen footage of female-led groups of animals
![Wendy Williams](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kSAhDmff6GwtuBiYtvszFm-320-80.jpg)
Lifetime’s ‘Where is Wendy Williams?’ Draws 6.2 Million Viewers Across Linear, Digital Platforms
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Two-night docuseries averaged 1.2 million on basic-cable net
![Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ApeDH5XGYoPteRGi9p2K64-320-80.jpg)
NASCAR Pennzoil 400 Race; Nuggets-Lakers Matchup: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (March 2-3)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Starz's 'BMF'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SQbhMWZ4HJMEqs2LKmqazi-320-80.jpg)
Starz Gives Early Season Renewal To ‘BMF’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Premium channel greenlights fourth season ahead of season three premiere
![TV One's 'Unsung'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yziinPaXkB9XExGb6jSjqm-320-80.jpg)
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
![Fox News' Town Hall with former President Trump and Laura Ingraham](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HYHCu4V2L5aL94qGd5gWbT-320-80.jpg)
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
![Impact Network](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aptefFQ6yRHRVEv2e5M5uc-320-80.png)
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
![Benito Skinner](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9YTmVzXCgDhT69BSeqw9aY-320-80.jpg)
Prime Video Sets ‘Overcompensating’ Comedy Series
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Benito Skinner to star, produce college-themed series
![First-Buyer's Club](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TvNtqYhr9vexuZBdjeGCcn-320-80.jpg)
OWN Renews 'First-Time Buyers Club'
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Unscripted series gets second season
![Shogun](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oWZm7phXxVPQWvVVqSmaka-320-80.png)
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
![Wendy Williams](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kSAhDmff6GwtuBiYtvszFm-320-80.jpg)
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
![Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 22, 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iBud6svC2y263KQoAbghsS-320-80.jpg)
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
![True Detective: Night Country](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o8kqNFLgvPKH489oai9zq8-320-80.jpg)
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
![Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Eastern Conference All-Stars dunks the ball against the Western Conference All-Stars in the fourth quarter during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3GiF2Z5vdx8qBztZcjyG8o-320-80.jpeg)
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
![Sharp Entertainment founder and CEO Matt Sharp](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AhG2sdytmnbLoyVyaopPjg-320-80.jpg)
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
![Malcolm & Eddie](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gbzR4weVHrymYjDexAbjFA-320-80.jpg)
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 Fiance on TLC](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KqJTHSkV2T5BWusjuEHnyE-320-80.png)
‘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
![TNT Sports chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rXi3P58vARMYCFMMTsjTUY-320-80.jpg)
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