MGM Acquires 55% Interest in Roma Downey and Mark Burnett's Entertainment Company

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios today disclosed its acquisition of a 55 percent interest in Roma Downey, Mark Burnett and Hearst Entertainment’s One Three Media and LightWorkers Media, including all of their interests in such shows as “Survivor,” “The Voice,” “Shark Tank,” “The Bible” and “The Apprentice.”

Financial terms were not disclosed by Beverly Hills-based MGM, which also announced the planned launch the Over-The-Top faith-based channel.

The newly consolidated media venture, to be called United Artists Media Group, will primarily focus on developing, producing and financing scripted and non-scripted television programs, movies and digital content.

Burnett, a six-time Emmy Award winner who has produced more than 2,900 hours of television programming, will serve as the CEO of UAMG. His wife and producing partner, known for starring for nine seasons as the angel on the television series “Touched By An Angel,” will be president of LightWorkers Media, the faith and family division of UAMG.

“Mark and Roma are without a doubt the most successful and dominant players in unscripted television and faith-based content and we are excited to be distributing UAMG content worldwide,” said MGM Chairman and CEO Gary Barber.

The OTT channel’s programming “will consist of a mix of original new content, premium film and television catalog titles, curated Christian music videos, regional and national congregation portals, sermons from worldwide religious leaders and user-created short-form faith-based videos,” according to MGM.

--City News Service

PHOTO Audra Lynn McLaughlin on “The Voice.” Patch file photo.