Block Named FearNet President

Famed horror film producer Peter Block Tuesday was named president and
general manager of the Comcast Cable, Sony Pictures Television and
Lionsgate-owned FearNet service.

Block, who produced the popular Saw horror
movie franchise, will oversee operations for the 24-hour cable channel
when it launches as a linear service in October, according to company
officials.

Block will take over for Diane Robina, who will continue
to run the four-year old FearNet's video-on-demand and online components
into the fall, before turning her attention full-time to her role as
executive vice president, programming, production and marketing for TV
Guide Network.

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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.