CMT To Add News, Documentaries To Lineup

CMT will add news and documentary programming to its lineup of reality series and country music programming, the network announced during its upfront presentation Tuesday in New York.

The network announced the creation of news and docs division that will produce a series of news specials and documentaries focusing on breaking news and iconic personalities covered through the CMT lens, according to network officials.

The network will continue to push its bolder and louder brand of entertainment through the launch of several new reality series, including The Dirty South, from Jersey Shore producer SallyAnn Salsano; Hillbillies For Hire; and Cop Reloaded, a compilation of episodes from the long-running Fox series Cops.

In addition, the network will launch later this year an untitled project starring The Voice season three winner Cassadee Pope. The shows will join previously announced series Dog And Beth: On The Hunt.

Returning series for CMT include Swamp Pawn, My Big Redneck Vacation; Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team and Redneck Island.

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.