Mark Burnett To Run MGM Television Group

Mark Burnett has been named president of MGM Television and Digital Group, it was announced today by Gary Barber, chairman-CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. Burnett, who signed a five-year contract, will report directly to Barber.

Burnett’s new appointment will occur simultaneously with the closing of MGM’s acquisition of the remaining 45% of Hearst’s, Burnett’s and Roma Downey’s interests in United Artists Media Group, which will be absorbed under the MGM Television Group umbrella.

“Mark Burnett is one of the most successful producers in television and a highly sought-after executive in content creation. His leadership is the next step in our never-ending quest to expand and grow our television and digital businesses,” said Barber. “Combining all of our TV content efforts under the purview of this unparalleled chief is incredibly exciting. Additionally, we believe this synergistic transaction will be very accretive to MGM.”

Burnett and Downey will exchange their 23% interest in UAMG for 1,337,360 shares of MGM stock valued at $90 per share. Hearst will receive $113.5 million in cash for their 22% interest. This transaction will enable the complete integration of UAMG’s and MGM’s television businesses and the consolidation of their operations. The transaction is expected to close at the beginning of 2016 and was valued based upon the original deal parameters established when MGM acquired the initial 55% of UAMG in 2014, less distributions.  The planned OTT channel will remain a separate entity controlled by its investors, Downey, Burnett, Hearst and MGM.

“Joining MGM under the incredible leadership of Gary Barber is an exciting new chapter of my television career,” said Burnett. “Demand for quality content is stronger than ever and the opportunities to grow our pipeline and develop projects from the wealth of Intellectual Property in the MGM and United Artists libraries are enormous. There is no better time to be creating premium content for distribution across multiple platforms.”

The newly conceived television division will further elevate MGM’s position as a leading entertainment company. In 2016, MGM Television will now have numerous unscripted and scripted television shows airing on network and cable or in production including: The Voice (NBC); Survivor (CBS); Shark Tank (ABC); Beyond the Tank (ABC); Celebrity Apprentice (NBC); Fargo (FX); Vikings (History); Teen Wolf (MTV); 500 Questions (ABC); The People’s Choice Awards (CBS); Lucha Underground (El Rey Network) and America’s Greatest Makers (INTEL/Turner).

As part of the new structure, Downey will serve as president of LightWorkers Media, which will be the faith and family division of MGM Television, and will report to Burnett. Downey will also serve as the chief content officer for the planned OTT channel.

Downey said, “We have entered into an era where faith-based and family programming is experiencing a creative renaissance. I am so excited and grateful to head up the team at LightWorkers Media under MGM. This is an enthusiastic marketplace that inspires us every day to create and curate new, thoughtful and dynamic content for all screens in the distribution landscape.”

Additionally, Chris Ottinger has been promoted to president of worldwide television distribution and acquisitions for MGM, reporting directly to Barber. Steve Stark, MGM’s president of television development and production, will continue to oversee all scripted content and will report directly to Burnett in an expanded role. John Bryan, MGM’s president of domestic television distribution will continue in his role overseeing domestic distribution. Roma Khanna has stepped down from her position as head of television and digital.