ION Television inks Content Deals

ION Television Thursday announced deals to acquire close to 35 major feature films and television series, including such films as The Godfather and Top Gun.
ION reached content agreements with such studios as Paramount Pictures Worldwide Television Distribution, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for access to The Godfather trilogy as well as Death Wish starring Tom Cruise. The Fugitive GoodFellas, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. TV shows in the deal include James Woods-starrer Shark and reality series Texas Justice.
"With nearly 35 star-studded movies and high profile network television series, ION Television continues to position itself as the premiere programming destination for the many viewers looking for top feature films," said Kristine Hunsinger, ION senior vice president of planning, scheduling and acquisitions in a statement. "With this announcement, ION Television is establishing itself as a clear choice for appointment viewing."

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.