WTFN launches Radar Studios with new focus on Originals – Australian independent media company WTFN Group has launched Radar Studios. The new company brings digital business Radar and television distributor Fred Media together under one integrated brand.
WTFN will retire the Radar and Fred Media names as standalone entities. Radar Studios will make its official industry debut at MIPCOM in Cannes next month. The launch will give partners a single entry point for WTFN’s channel, distribution and content operations.
For the Australian production sector, the restructure connects content development with international sales and a network of owned digital outlets. WTFN can use those connections to fund, test and distribute new programmes. The group will also continue to exploit its extensive library of established intellectual property.
Radar Studios brings three divisions together
WTFN designed Radar Studios in response to the opportunities and pressures of a rapidly evolving media market. Content will sit at the centre of the business. The company will maximise legacy titles while building a pipeline of new Originals.
The new studio has three core divisions. Its Network team manages FAST and digital channels across major platforms. These channels include brands such as Bondi Vet, Real Emergency and Untamed.
The Distribution division represents WTFN-owned and third-party programmes in the international marketplace. Meanwhile, the Content division will acquire outside programming. It will also fund, develop and create Originals for the channel network and distribution operation.
Together, the three divisions create an end-to-end content business. Radar Studios will work across traditional broadcasters, streaming platforms, FAST channels, YouTube and other digital and social outlets.
Derek Dyson to lead Radar Studios
Chief Commercial Officer Derek Dyson will lead the new business. He said the structure would help WTFN address the continuing challenge of securing a sustainable programme supply.
“Content supply is one of the major challenges in our business today, so we’ve developed Radar Studios to reduce potential risk and help provide a pipeline for a more sustainable model.
“We will continue to maximise the enviable legacy IP that we have in the business – most fully owned by WTFN – and have also recently established a new fund to invest in and acquire high-quality third-party content.”
The restructure also changes responsibilities across the existing team. Jamie I joined Fred Media as APAC Sales Manager earlier in 2026. He now becomes APAC Sales and Acquisitions Lead at Radar Studios.
Long-time consultant Kate Llewellyn-Jones will continue working across the group. Her remit covers finding, creating and funding new content and partnerships for the combined operation.
New Originals strategy becomes a priority
Radar Studios will put a major emphasis on original content, alongside acquisitions and library exploitation. Dyson will work with WTFN Head of Development Michael McDermott and Chief Creative Officer Steve Oemcke on the strategy.
“Together, we will use data, trends and market intel that we gather to create new content for a range of global channels and platforms,” Dyson said.
“And we’re thrilled that we already have some game-changing concepts in development.”
The plan will connect audience and buyer insights with the development process. Teams can use that information to shape new concepts for global channels and platforms. The studio’s own network will then provide further distribution opportunities.
Fred Media and Radar brands make way
Fred Media operated for 13 years. WTFN described it as Australia’s largest independent content distributor. Radar, meanwhile, grew into a digital business with full Multi-Channel Network status.
WTFN Group already owned both businesses. Their teams increasingly worked together through a “Total Distribution” strategy. That approach aimed to make use of every available programme right.
“Creating Radar Studios brings full integration and simplifies that message to the market, removing any ambiguity over entry points to our business,” Dyson said.
“We cannot wait to introduce Radar Studios to our existing and potential new partners in Cannes next month and are excited that this re-brand and restructure puts the building blocks in place to help turbo-charge and support our ambitions for growth.”
WTFN believes the single brand will make its structure easier for buyers, producers and partners to understand. It also aligns sales decisions with channel performance, acquisition plans and new programme development.
More than 2,200 hours and 30 channels
At launch, Radar Studios manages more than 2,200 hours of multi-genre programming. The catalogue includes award-winning and ratings-generating titles. The company also represents third-party content for international buyers.
The business oversees more than 30 FAST and digital channels. WTFN lists Bondi Vet, Real Emergency and Love Nature among the channel brands in that portfolio.
Radar Studios formed within WTFN Group in September 2026. Its Cannes launch will introduce the combined operation to existing clients and potential new partners.
For related TV Central industry coverage, read how Fred Media previously restructured its international sales team. Visit the official Radar Studios page on the WTFN website.