Jonathan Wall

Controller of BBC Sounds

Graduated in 1993

Jonathan previously had responsibility for the editorial and strategic direction of both Radio 5 live sports extra and 5 live. In early 2020 he became the Controller of BBC Sounds, a streaming media and audio download service that includes live radio broadcasts, audio on demand, and podcasts. 

Jonathan completed his Media and Communications degree at the University of Central England (now Birmingham City University) before undertaking a Postgraduate qualification in broadcast journalism at Falmouth College of Arts. He began his career at Radio Humberside before moving into BBC Sport.

He later became Editor, 5 live Sport where he was responsible for overseeing flagship output such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, and the football World Cup in Germany and Japan/S Korea, before being appointed Deputy Controller and Commissioning Editor, Radio 5 live, in July 2008. 

Since taking control of BBC Sounds growing the streaming service is one of the BBC’s key priorities. As Controller of BBC Sounds, Jonathan has responsibility for co-ordinating activity across the organisation to achieve the BBC’s ambitions, developing the strategy for Sounds, as well as having an overview of the content that is being commissioned for BBC Sounds by the radio, music and podcast teams.