Mark Burnett Named President of MGM Television, Digital Group

12.14.2015

Mark Burnett-executive producer of such hit shows as NBC's The Voice, CBS' Survivor and ABC's Shark Tank-has been named president of MGM Television and Digital Group, the company said Monday. He'll start his new job early next year and has a five-year contract.

Burnett's appointment comes as part of an overall acquisition of United Artists Media Group, an entity that's jointly held by Hearst, Burnett and his wife, Roma Downey. Some 15 months ago, MGM took a 55% stake in the production company owned by Hearst, Burnett and Downey, and at that time revived the United Artists banner with Burnett serving as CEO. Downey will remain president of the faith and family unit, LightWorkers Media. Burnett and Downey together have produced such TV miniseries as History's The Bible and NBC's follow-up, The Bible AD.

To acquire United Artists, MGM bought the remaining 45 percent stake in the company. Burnett and Downey will exchange their joint 23 percent interest in UAMG for 1.34 million shares of MGM stock, valued at $90 per share. Hearst will receive $113.5 million for its 22 percent interest in UAMG. Hearst, Burnett, Downey and MGM will separately go ahead with a planned over-the-top channel, reports The Hollywood Reporter. Downey will serve as chief content officer of that operation, reports Variety.

Roma Khanna, who had headed the division, is departing. Burnett, who's used to being an independent producer in charge of his own company, will report directly to Gary Barber, chairman and CEO of MGM.

Meanwhile, 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.

Brief Take: Appointing Burnett head of television at MGM signals that while the studio has been increasing its output for a while, it's back in the television production business in a big way.