Briefs: John Lewis CNN doc; Atlanta United on Fox Sports; John Lemley update; ‘Paid Off with Michael Torpey’ over

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Originally posted Monday, December 16, 2019 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog

CNN is going to air a documentary in 2020 about civil rights icon and House Rep. John Lewis called "John Lewis: Good Trouble."

Lewis, 79, would often say in interviews that he pursued “good trouble,” taking on the wrongs of the world in such a way that would often land him in hot water, in jail or the hospital.

Magnolia is planning a spring 2020 theatrical release before it airs on CNN itself.

The film will use interviews and rare archival footage covering Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration.

Besides interviews with Lewis and his family, a coterie of political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and important people in his life will weigh in.

The same film producers created  the Oscar-nominated "RBG" about Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, grossing more than $14 million worldwide, an impressive figure for a documentary.

Dawn Porter, best known for "Gideon's Army," directed the film.

“John Lewis’ unwavering commitment to public service is legendary,” said Porter in a press release. “He is the voice of reason in a turbulent time, and we need his leadership today as much as we ever have. It is thrilling to have so many skilled and prestigious partners to launch this film into the world. I am incredibly grateful to them all.”

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Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast  announced a multi-year contract extension for the exclusive regional television rights holder for Major League Soccer's Atlanta United.

The networks have aired all regionally available games since the United debuted in 2017 and are now committed to do so through 2022.

In past seasons, the networks have televised 15 to 17 matches per season along with some postseason matches and the team’s 2018 MLS Cup celebratory parade.

The broadcast team from the past two seasons will return in 2020, including play-by-play announcer Kevin Egan, analyst Dan Gargan and host/reporter Jillian Sakovits. 

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Credit: John Lemley. CR: Jeff Roffman

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Credit: John Lemley. CR: Jeff Roffman

John Lemley, the former WABE-FM host, has been named anchor of Crime Online News Update, a daily newscast feature for "Crimes Stories with Nancy Grace" on SiriusXM.

It airs at noon EST on Triumph Channel 111.

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Credit: Michael Torpey hosted his show "Paid Off" at Turner Techwood campus. CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com

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Credit: Michael Torpey hosted his show "Paid Off" at Turner Techwood campus. CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com

Michael Torpey last year wanted to blend fun with a bit of social activism with his how truTV's "Paid Off" where he had contestants answer "Remote Control"-type trivia while winning enough money to pay off their student debts.

But after one season, truTV has cancelled the show, which was shot at what is now called the Ted Turner Techwood campus for WarnerMedia.