OWN Acquires 'Miss Representation' Documentary Film

By R. Thomas Umstead
( Broadcasting & Cable )
published

OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network has acquired the rights to the documentary film Miss Representation, officials said Thursday.

Directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the documentary -- which brings together such influential women as Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem to discuss the media's depiction of women -- will air as part of the OWN Documentary Film Club. Miss Representation is the 11th documentary acquisition for the month-old OWN, said network officials.

"Through personal stories and provocative interviews, Jennifer crystallizes the relevance of the media and its portrayal of women in today's society," said Lisa Erspamer, chief creative officer, for OWN in a statement. "We believe this film will lead to an important conversation we want to be having with the OWN audience."

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.