MTV to Launch Docu Division With ‘Prescription for Change’

MTV will launch its original documentary division on Oct. 11 with a one-hour project, Prescription for Change: Ending America’s Opioid Crisis, the network said Tuesday.

The documentary, which will tackle the opioid epidemic, will feature a frank conversation between Grammy-Award winning artist Macklemore and President Barack Obama in which the two openly share their own experiences with substance use, said the network.

The world premiere of Prescription for Change will take place today at the White House followed by a panel session featuring Macklemore that will be streamed live by MTV News and at www.whitehouse.gov/live, said the network.

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.