Africa Channel Sets `Congo Week' Programming Lineup

The Africa Channel later this month will celebrate the annual worldwide Congo Week initiative with programming highlighting the Central African territory.

The network will air Congolese-themed movies and specials as part of the seventh annual initiative running Oct. 20-26, which commemorates the millions of lives lost in the Congo conflict while highlighting the culture, traditions and daily modern life of the people of the Congos, said network officials.

Online, the network will present a photo essay of the Rumble in the Jungle, documenting the historic 1974 fight in Africa between challenger Muhammad Ali and heavyweight champion George Foreman.

"Congo Week on The Africa Channel promises to demystify this intriguing and important part of the world,” said Lee Gaither, general manager and executive vice president of The Africa Channel in a statement. “We are proud to support this tremendous worldwide initiative, which reflects our network's mission to expose viewers to the lifestyle and culture of people on the African continent."

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.