Newsmax TV Taps Eric Pearce for SVP Role

Newsmax TV has hired former CNN and TheBlaze TV executive Eric Pearce for the newly created position of network senior vice president of broadcast operations and strategy.

In his new position, Pearce will oversee all key operational aspects of the channel, including production, programming development, content acquisition, talent development, multi-platform distribution activities and budget management, said network officials.

Most recently Pearce served as senior vice president of television at TheBlaze and prior to that he was a producer at CNN where he was involved in the creation of four prime time news programs and produced 20 pilots.

“Eric Pearce has already proven himself to be an accomplished, can-do and creative executive who knows what it takes to present an audience-appealing news and information channel, and we’re looking forward to him enjoying even more success with Newsmax TV,” Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy said in a statement. “Our partners in distribution and advertising, as well as our growing audience, have told us they’re excited about what we’re building, and we know we’ll be able to accomplish so much more, and with greater speed, with Eric joining the team.”

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.