BET News Special Tackles Obesity Issue

BET will examine the issue of obesity and the African American community in a Nov. 15 news special Heart Of The City: Dying To Eat In Jackson.

The one-hour special, hosted by former The View co-host Star Jones, focuses on the facts surrounding obesity in Black America while originating from one of the cities carrying the heaviest burden of this epidemic, Jackson, Ms.
The special will feature appearances from such medial experts as Dr. David Satcher, Satcher Health Leadership Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine; Dr. Aaron Shirley, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation; Dr. Timothy Quinn, Mississippi family physician; and Barbara Broadwater and Rita Redd from Mississippi Against Obesity Foundation.
"Obesity is a critical issue in our community that has not received the attention it deserves," says Keith Brown, Senior Vice President of BET News and public affairs. "It was important for us to focus not only on the problem, but also on the inspiring stories of people taking control of their lives and making positive change in their communities."

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.