MTV2 Tackles Rights To H.S. Football Docu Series

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

MTV2 has acquired rights to the documentary series The Ride: The Road To The U.S. Army All American Bowl and will premiere the 13-episode series Nov. 13.

The series follows the lives of eight high school quarterbacks as they compete and strive to secure a roster spot in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January, according to the network.

The first seaon of The Ride aired last year on Fox Sport Net.
"We are pleased to partner with Backfield Productions, LLC to bring The Ride to MTV2," said Eric Conte, senior vice president of programming and production for MTV2 in a statement. "‘The Ride is a courageous journey, blending elements of competition, intense passion and heartache that undoubtedly will resonate with MTV2 viewers. Watching these eight young high school football players compete for their ultimate dreams taps right into the vein of our young male audience and is sure to touch and inspire both die-hard and casual football fans alike."

R. Thomas Umstead
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.