Jeff Shultz Appointed CEO of Radial Entertainment, Aiming for Streaming Success

Jeff Shultz Takes the Helm at Radial Entertainment

In an exciting development for the entertainment industry, Jeff Shultz has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Radial Entertainment, effective January 1, 2026. This announcement was made on December 2, 2025, by Jared Frandle, the Managing Director for Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., which funds Radial. This newly formed global entertainment company operates under the brands FilmRise and Shout! Studios, aiming to make a significant impact in the streaming market.

Jeff Shultz, previously the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Business Development Officer at Paramount Streaming, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Shultz played a crucial role at Pluto TV, transitioning it from a startup to a leader in the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) market. After Pluto TV's acquisition by Viacom, he oversaw Paramount's direct-to-consumer strategy, leading to substantial growth in streaming revenue.

Notably, Radial Entertainment was launched on July 1, 2025, establishing itself as a powerhouse in content distribution with a catalog comprising over 70,000 movies and episodes. This catalog features popular franchises like "Unsolved Mysteries," "Forensic Files," and "Hell's Kitchen." The company has expanded rapidly since its inception, successfully merging the FilmRise and Shout! Studios brands. This merger has propelled Radial to position itself as a formidable independent entity in the entertainment sector.

Garson Foos, the CEO of Radial and co-founder of Shout! Studios, will transition to serve as Executive Chairman alongside Danny Fisher on the Board of Directors. Frandle expressed gratitude for Foos's leadership during this transition, emphasizing the solid foundation laid for Radial's future growth.

In his statement, Jeff expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, "I'm fortunate to inherit an exceptional team along with the legacy of two highly successful brands." He acknowledges the potential that Radial holds in the evolving media market, highlighting its extensive content library and robust distribution channels.

Shultz’s extensive experience particularly shows in his role at Pluto TV, where he witnessed dramatic industry shifts and innovations in streaming technology. After the acquisition by Viacom, his strategic direction enabled a thriving partnership portfolio, especially during the launches of Paramount+ and other major content initiatives.

The appointment of Jeff Shultz at Radial marks a new chapter for the company, aiming for growth and innovation in the competitive landscape of digital entertainment. Under his leadership, Radial seeks to leverage its assets, diversified catalog, and Oaktree's financial backing to become a key player in the streaming arena, with high expectations of captivating audiences worldwide.

Presently, Radial Entertainment is not only a distributor but also an innovator in creating content that resonates with modern viewers of all demographics. The combination of legacy and new-age thinking in its approach under Shultz's guidance is anticipated to foster further growth and fan engagement in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

As Radial continues to expand through strategic acquisitions and new content deals—such as the Emmy-winning "Conan" and the highly acclaimed "Hemlock Grove"—Jeff's leadership will be instrumental in defining the company's identity and vision moving forward. The amalgamation of talented individuals and strong leadership signals an optimistic outlook as they embrace the future of streaming.

With the streaming market being more competitive than ever, all eyes are on Radial Entertainment under Jeff Shultz's innovative leadership, expecting bold moves and creative endeavors that will revolutionize how audiences consume content across the globe.