Heidi Dawson appointed as BBC Radio 5 live Controller
Heidi Dawson has been appointed as the new Controller of BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra.
Published: 23 September 2019
I’m absolutely thrilled to become the Controller of the radio station I’ve loved listening to and working at for the last 18 years. I’m honoured to now be leading the most impressive, creative and hard-working team in the industry.
Heidi is currently Managing Editor of BBC Radio 5 live and becomes Controller with immediate effect.
Heidi started her career in local radio at BBC Radio Solent before working as a journalist on BBC Radio 4’s World At One and PM. She moved to BBC Radio 5 live in 2001 as a breakfast show producer; she has produced and edited most 5 live News programmes. Heidi has also worked oversees in Israel, Iraq, at world cups and Olympic games. In 2013, Heidi joined 5 live’s management team and is now Managing Editor. She commissioned the award-winning podcast Brexitcast and is also Chair of the BBC North Diversity Action Group.
Heidi Dawson says: “I’m absolutely thrilled to become the Controller of the radio station I’ve loved listening to and working at for the last 18 years. I’m honoured to now be leading the most impressive, creative and hard-working team in the industry. I can’t wait to get started as Controller and continue the evolution of the station with innovative and entertaining radio and podcasts that reflect the whole of the UK.”
James Purnell, Director of Radio and Education, says: “5 live is a constantly-moving, fast-paced environment and, during her time with the station, Heidi has proved herself as a confident leader with strong editorial judgement and a willingness to take risks. Heidi’s passion for 5 live is clear to see and she’s going to make a fantastic Controller. I look forward to working with her and seeing the exciting future for 5 live and sports extra.”
BBC Radio 5 live is the BBC’s only network radio station based outside London, with its HQ at MediaCity UK in Salford. It is the home of breaking news and live sports, telling stories from all corners of the UK from the largest national newsroom outside London. 5 live and 5 live sports extra offer a wider range of sports than any other UK broadcaster, including more Premier League commentaries than anyone else.
5 live and 5 live sports extra has a combined reach of 5.69m listeners per week (Rajar Q2 2019). The station has also led the way in digital content and is home to a range of chart-topping and award-winning podcasts such as That Peter Crouch Podcast, End Of Days and You, Me And The Big C.
Heidi Dawson succeeds Jonathan Wall who was appointed as Controller of BBC Sounds in July 2019.
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