Hallmark Renews Adoption

Hallmark Channel Monday announced the renewal of freshman original series Adoption.

The show, Hallmark's first original series, will return in May 2003 with a new host/spokesperson, according to the network. The series' first season did not feature a regular host, although actress Melissa Gilbert hosted its pilot.

The critically acclaimed, one-hour reality series captures real families in the process of adopting children.

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.