3 Arts Acquires Independent News Talent Agency OManagement, Led by Olivia Metzger

Olivia Metzger, the independent agent who represents Craig Melvin and Kristen Welker, among others, is no longer running solo.

After leaving CAA in 2017 and building her own agency to represent news anchors and producers, Metzger is selling her OManagement to 3 Arts Entertainment, the production house that has been involved in series ranging from “King of the Hill” to “Hacks,” and has built alliances with Mike Judge and Tina Fey, among others.

Metzger, who also represents Steve Kornacki, Harris Faulkner and Ari Melber, will join as a partner and co-head of 3 Arts’ New York office. Her associate Chelsea Sells will join as well.

The partnership “allows us to offer our clients expanded opportunities across a dynamic media landscape, while preserving the close, individualized attention that has always defined both OManagement and 3 Arts,” says Metzger, in a statement. “By combining our deep experience in agenting and talent development with 3 Arts’ strengths in production and media strategy, we’re creating a powerful alliance uniquely positioned to support storytellers and experts at every stage of their careers.”

While 3 Arts may be best know for scripted fare, the company, which is controlled by Lionsgate, has made interesting moves in recent days. Earlier this week, 3 Arts acquired A&A Management, which represents sports clients including Travis Kelce, Denzel Ward and Jonathan Kuminga, among others.

The move highlights a growing trend of news personalities taking on a wider halo in the entertainment business, particularly as established anchors ranging from Don Lemon to Jim Acosta and Chuck Todd move into independent streaming-video venues and digital newsletters. Fox Corp. in February acquired Red Seat Ventures, a production outlet that helps manage business aspects of independent news and opinion personalities including Bill O’Reilly, Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly.

“At 3 Arts, we recognize that news talent and media personalities have never been more valuable than
they are today,” said 3 Arts Entertainment co-CEOs Brian Weinstein and Michael Rotenberg, in a prepared statement. “With audiences seeking out trusted individual voices, our partnership with OManagement allows us to support journalists and news professionals and personalities as they build their brands and adapt to new ways of connecting with the public. OManagement possesses unrivaled relationships with media companies and on-air talent, and as 3 Arts Entertainment expands its New York City presence, the addition of Olivia as a leader and a partner will help our combined team support cultural influencers and personalities creating impactful content.”