Wright Promoted To TBS, TNT and TCM Programming President

Turner programming veteran Michael Wright has been promoted to president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the company announced Tuesday.

Wright, formerly executive vice president, head of programming, for TNT, TBS and TCM, will continue to oversee all programming and scheduling for TNT and TBS, along with original programming for TCM and original content for all three networks' digital extensions, according to Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, to whom Wright will report.

Wright, whose decade-long run at Turner includes overseeing the launch of such successful shows as TNT's The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles, and TBS' launch of late night series Conan, will preside over TNT's launch of five original series and four new series over the next five months, as well as two new TBS scripted series, said network officials.

"Michael Wright has been an essential factor in the success of TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies," said Koonin in a statement. "Michael's relationships with creative talent, his eye for storytelling, his deep understanding of each network's unique brand voice and his ability to assemble and lead an extraordinary team have all combined to empower us within the industry. Michael is a great programmer and partner, and I look forward to working with him on shaping the multi-screen future of our business."

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.