TruTv Taps Linn As President

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Tuesday named MTV executive Chris Linn president, head of programming for truTV.

Linn replaces former executive vice president and COO Marc Juris, who departed the network earlier this month. Linn will be responsible for all programming, including the development and production of original programs, for the Turner-owned network. Linn will report to Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks.

Linn was previously executive vice president and head of production for MTV where he developed and oversaw production of several network hits including Jersey Shore,Snooki & JWOW and The Real World.

“Chris brings to truTV a remarkable track record of success highlighted by some of the most pop-culturally relevant and engaging series on television," said Koonin in a statement. "With his proven ability to reach and understand the young-adult audience, Chris has successfully developed shows that evolve beyond the television screen to become full-fledged phenomena. Chris has the strategic vision and energy to take truTV forward in the next phase of the network's brand evolution as it continues to grow competitively in the unscripted arena. I'm thrilled to have him on board."

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.