MGM Television has promoted unscripted executive Barry Poznick to president, MGM/Orion unscripted & alternative television, the studio announced Tuesday, along with plans to expand its unscripted group under Poznick’s leadership.
In his new role, Poznick will continue to oversee MGM’s slate of unscripted programming and add oversight of sports entertainment, premium documentaries, true crime, podcasts, children’s programming, and cost-effective scripted. He will also take on digital content, including the studio’s new partnership with the team at Youtube’s Brat, focusing on YA scripted content.
“I’ve worked very closely with Barry Poznick for over 14 years,” studio chairman Mark Burnett said in a statement. “He is an extremely capable and well-liked television expert who has consistently delivered number one rated programs, series renewals and profits for the MGM Television group, making it one of the most successful growth divisions for the studio. His expanded responsibilities and promotion will continue that growth through creation, diversification and acquisition.”
Added Poznick, “MGM Unscripted Television had an epic second & third quarter, with a record-breaking 18 series rating number-one, and I’m eager to capitalize on this momentum by bringing our production model to other genres. The goal is to meet viewers where they are watching, with a wide-range of content at reasonable price-points.”
Poznick joined MGM in 2016 and has since overseen the creative and development of projects including “The Voice,” “Survivor” and “Shark Tank.” He previously founded the unscripted production company ZOO Productions in 1994, which he and his business partner, John Stevens, sold to All3Media in 2008. The 25-year TV veteran first partnered with Burnett in 2006 on Fox’s “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”