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

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 14, 2024
NBA Playoffs Will Offer Viewers Something Familiar, Something New

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

ESPN, TNT Sports hope mix of fresh teams, players and postseason stalwarts will drive ratings

Programming
Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden on April 15, 2024
NHL, NBA Playoffs Begin; Haney-Garcia PPV Boxing Event: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (April 20-21)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

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

Programming
Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia PPV Boxing Event
Hall of Fame Boxing Announcer Jim Lampley Chatting Up the Sweet Science on PPV.com (Q&A)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Will host PPV.com’s live chat for the April 20 Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia PPV boxing event

Programming
The Basketball Tournament logo
Fox Sports, TBT Secure Multiyear Media Deal

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Fox, FS1, FS2 to air 27 live games from hoops tourney

Programming
Rashida Jones
Apple TV Plus Sets July Premiere for Rashida Jones Series ‘Sunny’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Mystery drama to debut July 10 with two episodes

Programming
Iga Swiatek of Poland visits the Tennis Channel studio after defeating Maria Sakkari of Greece in the womens singles final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 17, 2024
Ken Solomon: Tennis Channel Looking to Score With Fans Across Multiple Platforms (TV Sportsplay)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Network president says Tennis Channel serving fans on linear, FAST, SVOD platforms, and will launch DTC service in 2024

Programming
UConn vs. Purdue in the 2024 NCAA men’s national championship game
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Dunks TBS, TNT’s ‘March Madness’ Title Game Coverage to Recapture Primetime Crown

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

News network rolls to 14th straight total-day win

Programming
Caitlin Clark and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert at the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Help ESPN Score Record 2.4 Million Viewers for WNBA Draft

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Women’s sports content maintains its momentum after record-setting March Madness title game

Programming
Max's 'Hacks'
‘Hacks’ Stars Reunite in Season-3 Teaser Trailer

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder return in Emmy-winning Max series

Programming
Charles Barkley Gayle King
CNN Cancels ‘King Charles’ Series

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Gayle King, Charles Barkley-hosted weekly talk show ends after five-month run

Programming
'Conan O'Brien Must Go'
‘The Spiderwick Chronicles,’ ‘Conan O’Brian Must Go’ Debut: What’s Premiering This Week (April 15-21)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

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

Programming
Billy Joel performs during his 100th show at Madison Square Garden on March 28, 2024 in New York City.
CBS Cuts Off Billy Joel Concert Telecast (Updated)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

CBS to re-air concert this Friday after angering viewers Sunday by breaking away from taped concert telecast to air local news

Programming
Jon Rahm of Spain plays his tee shot on the fourth hole during the first round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2024
The Masters, ‘UFC 300,’ NBA Regular Season Ends: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (April 13-14)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

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

Programming
Cody Rhodes (R) and Triple H celebrate during Night Two of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 7, 2024
WWE Looking to Ride Post ‘WrestleMania XL’ Momentum for ‘SmackDown’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Pro wrestling outfit hoping to pin down strong ‘SmackDown’ viewership after posting year-high ratings for ‘Monday Night Raw’

Programming
'The Ms. Pat Show'
BET Plus Renews ‘Ms. Pat Settles It’ Courtroom Series

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Streaming service sets May date for return of ‘The Ms. Pat Show’ comedy series

Programming
'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' on Apple TV Plus
Apple TV Plus Renews ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' Series

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Streaming service, Legendary Entertainment to create multiple spin-off series

Programming
O. J. Simpson sits in Superior Court in Los Angeles 08 December 1994 during an open court session where Judge Lance Ito denied a media attorney's request to open court transcripts from a 07 December private meeting involving prospective jurors.
O.J. Simpson Dies at 76

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

NFL legend, actor was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife in 'trial of the century'

Fates & Fortunes
Peyton and Eli Manning at the 2023 Pro Bowl
ESPN, Manning Brothers Extend Partnership Agreement

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

‘Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli’ to continue as part of long-term deal

Programming
Actress Tia Mowry
WE tv Sets Tia Mowry Docuseries

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

‘Sister, Sister’ star tackles divorce, career future in ‘Tia Mowry: My Next Act’

Programming
Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Tigers shoots the ball over Caitlin Clark #22 and Gabbie Marshall #24 of the Iowa Hawkeyesduring the first half in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024
Weekly Cable Ratings: ESPN Dunks Primetime Competition with Women’s College Basketball Tourney Coverage

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Fox News outlasts ESPN on total day chart

Programming
Scott Mills BET ViacomCBS
T. Howard Foundation Will Honor BET’s Scott Mills, Accenture’s Julie Sweet at Annual Awards Dinner

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Carlsen Resources’ Ann Carlsen, Cablefax’s Amy Mclean will also be honored

Programming
Pretty Little Liars: Summer School
Max Rings in May Date For 'Pretty Little Liars: Summer School'

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Second season of Max's 'Pretty Little Liars' franchise debuts May 9

Programming
HBO's 'The Sympathizer'
Prime Video’s ‘Fallout,’ HBO’s ‘The Sympathizer’ Debut: What’s Premiering This Week (April 8-14)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

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

Programming
Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'
Hulu, ABC Lead the Way in NAMIC Vision Awards Nods

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' vie for top honors in comedy, drama categories

Programming
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Will Broadcast’s Local Sports Comeback Stand Up?

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Stations have snapped up pro-sports rights from struggling RSNs, but could find themselves edged out by direct-to-consumer streamers

Programming
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