BBC Studios has announced the appointment of former Wondery head of UK podcast content Richard Knight as its new director of audio as the organisation prepares to pick up production duties for more of the BBC’s speech audio content.
Following the BBC’s controversial decision to transfer ownership and production of a large portion of its non-music audio content to its commercial arm, which will take effect 1 April next year, BBC Studios has recruited Knight to help grow the company’s audio production and distribution business.
“We are looking forward to building on our audio leadership and creative capabilities to grow the reach of British audio content in the UK and around the globe,” said Ralph Lee, CEO of BBC Studios Productions. “Richard brings a rare combination of skills and experience. He is a talented producer, executive producer and leader, with a real depth of editorial experience and a long record of creative success. He will be a huge asset to the new Audio Productions team.”
Knight’s tenure at Wondery, which he joined in July last year, was a period of significant expansion for the company’s UK business, including a number of successful launches such as Stolen Hearts, Hooked On Freddie and Ghost Story, as well as Legacy, the company’s newly-announced co-production with The Rest Is Politics producers Goalhanger.
"I have loved getting to know the truly amazing and creative people at Wondery,” Knight said. “But I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity by BBC Studios to lead so many talented producers into a new phase for public service audio. I'm confident we are going to do some great things - and have fun doing them."
The new position represents a return to BBC content for Knight, who spent two decades working in a number of production roles for BBC Radio, including more than two and a half years as commissioning editor for factual for BBC Radio 4.
