Insight TV & OTF Combine Under WSMG Banner

Following its acquisition of Off The Fence’s distribution assets, Insight TV has launched the World Storytelling Media Group (WSMG) to house both companies.

“The launch of WSMG heralds a new era to better facilitate the discovery of high-quality IP for partners and audiences at this moment of seismic change in our industry,” said Insight TV CEO Viktoriia Tkachenko. “Through Insight’s existing channels, OTF’s expansive global client and partner network and a new, soon-to-be-revealed social and digital strategy, WSMG will be the home for future-proofing our business.”

Tkachenko added: “With a sharp focus on returning series and long-running IP that can work on traditional linear channels, FAST, YouTube and indeed whatever comes next, we know producers simply want to reach as many eyeballs as possible. WSMG will help them achieve that by offering an entire portfolio: access to all major content buyers, global channels and social, all streamlined under one roof.”

With WSMG, Insight TV will prioritize pay TV and B2C FAST channels, while OTF will focus on monetizing the company’s combined slate. Key executives from Insight TV are joining the OTF sales team. Sam Thomson is senior VP of content sales for North America and global networks. Joanna Rowley is director of content sales for AsiaPac, the U.K. and Ireland. Inês Isidro will work from within the EMEA team as a sales executive, looking after Benelux, Brazil and Portugal. Loren Baxter remains at the helm of OTF’s acquisition team and is taking on responsibility for acquisitions on behalf of Insight TV’s channels. She will work closely with Sarah Reed, Insight TV’s director of programming and scheduling, and Lisette Schlippe, global VP for FAST and content.

Bo Stehmeier, CEO of OTF, noted: “With now arguably the most experienced and largest factual commercial team under one roof, we’re eager to build strategic alliances with direct-to-consumer platforms, production companies, IP holders, and their investors worldwide. Our ambition under WSMG is to offer a true one-stop shop for the global non-scripted storytelling community.”