BET Names Maureen Guthman To SVP Role

BET Networks has appointed cable veteran Maureen Guthman as its senior vice president of programming and acquisitions, the network said Thursday.

In her new position, Guthman will lead the network's planning and acquisitions duties, reporting to Pete Danielsen, executive vice president of program planning, scheduling & acquisitions, said network officials.

Prior to joining BET Networks, Guthman served as the senior vice president of program strategy and acquisitions at TV One. Guthman also held leadership roles at Viacom, according to BET. 

“Maureen’s passion for television and her experience closing countless deals will make her a great strategic partner on the team," said Danielsen in a statement.

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.