A&E Names Lonker To Programming Post

A&E Network Monday announced it has appointed William Morris Agency executive Scott Lonker to the post of vice president of nonfiction & alternative programming.

Lonker will be responsible for overseeing the development and production of A&E’s nonfiction, alternative and reality series and will report to Robert Sharenow, senior vice president of nonfiction & alternative programming for A&E.

Lonker joins A&E from the William Morris Agency’s New York Television Department, where he specialized in the unscripted, scripted, comedy talent and animation arenas.

“Scott has a great reputation for having his finger on the pulse of the industry,” said Sharenow in a statement. “His experience as a packaging agent and his relationships with many of the top producers in the business make him a valuable asset for A&E as we continue to expand the depth and quality of our original unscripted programming lineup.”

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.