Upfronts 2015: Pivot Greenlights Investigative News Series

Pivot Thursday said it will launch a new documentary-themed programming block and will develop a new investigative series as part of a slate of new and returning shows  announced during a morning upfront presentation to advertisers.

The documentary programming block, which will look to showcase impactful, award-winning documentaries, including ones never seen before on television, will air on Wednesdays beginning May 6 with the premiere of the Kristin Davis-produces special Gardeners Of Eden, said network officials.

The millennials-targeted network will also launch an new investigative series produced by Brian Knappenberger (The Internet’s Own Boy) that will look to reimagine journalism for the digital age.

Other shows in development include two investigative food-themed series Untitled Alex Gibney Project, Untitled Mark Bittman Project) an unscripted series starring comedian Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show).

The network has also greenlit new seasons of Hit Record On Tv With Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Human Resources and Angry Planet. Pivot has also greenlight a new series Secret Lives Of Americans.

“With the return of popular series and addition of new originals and themed programming blocks, we have an exciting line-up that continues Pivot’s focus on entertainment that inspires,” said Kent Rees, the channel’s General Manager. “Pivot has distinguished itself as a network with compelling and award-winning content across a wide range of genres that keep audiences tuning in while encouraging them to take action on the issues that move them.”

On the digital front, Pivot said its offering TakePart.com will team with the National Urban League to create the “Save Our Cities” campaign focusing on issues facing urban communities and those individuals driving positive social change. The campaign, inspired by the National Urban League’s The State of Black America Report, will produce an editorial series and social action campaign on the five key issue areas highlighted in the report including social justice, employment, housing, health, and education, said network officials.

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.