WTFN has announced that it is integrating its Fred Media (content distribution) and Radar (digital) teams to capitalise on developments in the marketplace and to more effectively drive its Total Distribution strategy. The new-look business will officially debut at the MIPCOM in Cannes next month with new joint Fred Media/Radar branding.
Derek Dyson, previously General Manager at Radar, has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer at WTFN, taking responsibility for the newly integrated team and its global business strategy – and for also developing opportunities for Fred Media/Radar with the wider group’s talent and branded entertainment businesses – Empire Talent and WTFN BE.
Meanwhile, Louisa Emery, has been appointed to the role of General Manager at Radar. Louisa brings a wealth of experience in managing and optimising digital output, content creation and growing audiences across multiple online platforms. Prior to joining Radar, she headed up digital and social media teams at both Warner Bros. and Fremantle in Australia and masterminded the Big Brother relaunch campaign for Channel 7 and Endemol Shine. She also worked for Totem Global in Australia. In addition, she has worked extensively in the UK, with stints as content editor at Channel 5, social media and online digital producer at ITV on brands such as Britain’s Got Talent, I’m a Celebrity… and Downton Abbey and as a digital series producer at Endemol Shine UK, where her team won a Broadcast Award for its work on Celebrity Big Brother.
Derek Dyson, Chief Commercial Office at WTFN, says: “Over the past few months, as the Radar business has expanded, the Fred Media and Radar teams have been working increasingly closely together for many clients looking to optimise the value of the rights they entrust us to manage. So, we felt it would make sense – and be more efficient – to now fully integrate the teams.”
Dyson continues: “I am excited to oversee Fred Media/Radar and create something new in the marketplace. It has been a tough year for everyone, but our Total Distribution strategy – focusing on ensuring all content rights are maximised across every possible platform – has been paying dividends, with digital and online projects especially proving key growth drivers. With Louisa now a key part of our team – working closely with recently promoted colleagues Fred Media Head of Sales Jimmy Elkington and Head of Operations and Acquisitions for Fred Media/Radar Roger Vanderspikken – we are well-placed to deliver new creative and commercial opportunities, especially in the wider creator economy.”
In other team news, respected sales, development, acquisitions and co-production executive Judy Levenson has joined Fred Media as a sales consultant, with responsibility for the Americas. Judy has previously held senior roles at Showtime, National Geographic, Discovery and Scott Brothers Entertainment.
