HBO President Talks Future of Game of Thrones, The Newsroom and More

During his network's panel discussion yesterday at the Television Critics Assoc. summer press tour in Beverly Hills, HBO President Michael Lombardo touched on a number of subjects important to fans of his network.

Specifically, the future of a handful of ongoing hits.

Game of Thrones: “It can go on as long as there are stories to tell."

Treme: The new season will premiere on December 1.

The Newsroom: Odds a third season renewal are "excellent," with ratings through two episodes up over Season 1: "The conversation with Aaron [Sorkin] are all about schedule. If we can figure out scheduling in terms of his time and being on the air next year, I would be shocked if you weren't hearing an announcement soon."

Veep: Selina Meyer will be running for President next year: “Next season we’ll see her on a bus a lot. She’ll be out on the campaign trail.”

David Milch has a couple of ideas in the works. One is a pilot about a "dynastic New York media family" and it is close to receiving a production order.

Criminal Justice: Lombardo and executives are “having conversations on how to proceed” in the wake of James Gandolfini’s passing, as the actor was scheduled to star in this drama and had already filmed the pilot. “I can’t imagine us airing the pilot with James in it. Jim’s passing took the wind out of our sails at HBO.”

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.