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

Geraldine Moriba of theGrio

Wonder Women of Los Angeles 2024: Geraldine Moriba

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Senior VP and Chief Content Officer, theGrio

Fates & Fortunes
Game 5 of 2023 NBA Western Conference finals

Weekly Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Drive TNT to Sixth-Straight Primetime Win

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Western Conference Finals deliver for drama net as Fox News notches 21st consecutive total-day win

Programming
Sean "Diddy" Combs at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

Revolt Founder Sean Combs Sells His Majority Stake

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Hip-hop mogul unloads shares in company amid multiple sexual assault allegations

Programming
Disney Plus' 'The Acolyte'

Disney Plus Debuts ‘The Acolyte’; Starz’s ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ Returns for Final Season: What’s Premiering This Week (June 3-9)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

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

Programming
Starz's 'Outlander'

Starz’s ‘Outlander’ Returns in November

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Second half of drama series’ seventh season to debut Nov. 22

Programming
Jake Paul-Mike Tyson press conferece

Netflix’s Mike Tyson-Jake Paul Boxing Event Postponed

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Fight delayed after Tyson suffers medical scare

Programming
Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears speaks answers a question from the media during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall on April 26, 2024

Chicago Bears to Headline HBO's 'Hard Knocks' Sports Documentary Series

By R. Thomas Umstead published

'Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The Chicago Bears' to debut August 6

Programming
Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers makes a save against Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers during the third period in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs

NHL Playoffs, ‘UFC 302’; What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (June 1-2)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

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

Programming
(From l.): Ncuti Gatwa as Eric, Asa Butterfield as Otis in Sex Education Season 4.

As Peak TV Ebbs, LGBTQ+ Advocates Air Inclusion Concerns

By R. Thomas Umstead published

On the eve of Pride Month, two studies find fewer characters, storylines for community members amid overall content contraction

Programming
Max's 'Hacks'

Max Renews 'Hacks' Series

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Jean Smart starrer to return for fourth season

Programming
Celtics vs. Pacers in Game 1 of 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Finals

TNT, ESPN Stay Hot in Primetime Ratings With NBA Playoffs Coverage

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Fox News Channel tops total-day chart for 20th consecutive week

Programming
Peacock's 'We Are Lady Parts'

‘We Are Lady Parts,’ ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Return: What’s Premiering This Week (May 28-June 2)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

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

Programming
LaKendra Davis Moxie, the 2024 Catalyst Award winner for The WICT Network of Southern California

Cox’s LaKendra Davis Moxie To Receive Catalyst Award at Wonder Women of L.A.

By R. Thomas Umstead published

WICT Network SoCal will honor cable operator’s VP of fulfillment operations

Programming
Indianapolis 500 2023

Indy 500; NBA, NHL Playoffs: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (May 25-27)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

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

Programming
Jesse Owens

History, LeBron James’ SpringHill Company Capture Jesse Owens' Legacy in New Documentary (Video)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

‘Triumph: Jesse Owens and the Berlin Olympics’ set to debut June 19

Programming
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes to the basket during the game against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2024

Weekly Cable Ratings: TNT Secures Fourth Straight Primetime Win

By R. Thomas Umstead published

ESPN finishes second in primetime on strength of NBA, NHL playoffs coverage

Programming
Delroy Lindo and Kerry Washington in Hulu's 'UnPrisoned'

OWN, Hulu, Disney Plus Win Multiple NAMIC Vision Awards

By R. Thomas Umstead published

NBC’s ‘Found’ notches drama series honors; Hulu’s ‘UnPrisoned’ wins in comedy category

Programming
The Great War

History’s ‘The Great War Debuts,’ Apple TV Plus’ ‘Trying’ Returns: What’s Premiering This Week (May 20-27)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

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

Programming
Jockey John Velazquez #1 on National Treasure (R) and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. #7 aboard Blazing Sevens come out of the fourth turn during the 148th Running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, 2023

Preakness Stakes; Premier League ‘Championship Sunday’: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (May 18-19)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

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

Programming
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever heads for the net as DiJonai Carrington #21 of the Connecticut Sun defends in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 14, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut Draws Record Cable Rating

By R. Thomas Umstead published

ESPN2 telecast of Indiana-Connecticut game draws 2.1 million viewers

Programming
'Never Too Much’ on CNN

CNN Films, OWN Acquire Luther Vandross Documentary

By R. Thomas Umstead published

‘Never Too Much’ to debut in 2025

Programming
'Hard Knocks: Offseason With the New York Giants'

New HBO ‘Hard Knocks’ Series Will Follow N.Y. Giants Offseason Moves

By R. Thomas Umstead published

‘Hard Knocks: Offseason With the New York Giants’ launches July 2

Programming
Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball while Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays defense during the game during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Weekly Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Score for TNT, ESPN in Primetime

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Fox News Channel dominates total-day chart

Programming
Netflix's 'Bridgerton'

Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ Returns, Apple TV Plus’ ‘The Big Cigar’ Debuts: What’s Premiering This Week (May 13-19)

By R. Thomas Umstead published

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

Programming
Peacock's 'Ted'

Peacock's 'Ted' Coming Back for New Season

By R. Thomas Umstead published

Seth MacFarlane-produced comedy series gets second season renewal

Programming
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