Jonathan Wall becomes BBC Sounds controller

Radio 5 Live chief Jonathan Wall has been appointed to the inaugural BBC Sounds controller post while factual commissioning editor Mohit Bakaya takes the reins at Radio 4.

Wall is set to lead on the BBC’s newly-forged audio offering, which combines music, radio and podcasts and comprises a key tenet of the corporation’s strategy to retain younger and underserved viewers.

He will oversee the platform’s editorial, product development and marketing teams, while developing editorial strategy with the radio networks, who do the majority of the podcast commissioning.

The BBC has been on a podcast commissioning drive recently and appointed its inaugural podcast commissioning editor - The Guardian’s Jason Phipps - last year to lead on the strategy.

Some of its most successful podcasts, including That Peter Crouch Podcast and You, Me and the Big C, come from the 5 Live commissioning team.

The BBC said Sounds has been downloaded 2.3 million times since last October’s launch, with around 1.5 million users each week.

Since succeeding Adrian Van Klaveren as Radio 5 Live controller in 2013, Wall has since overseen a range of developments and presenter changes. He was previously deputy 5 Live controller and editor of 5 Live Sport, having begun his career in local radio.

Wall will be replaced in an acting capacity by 5 Live commissioning editor Richard Maddock.

Wall said: “BBC Sounds, alongside iPlayer, will help make the BBC thrive and it’s a privilege to get the chance to lead so many talented people who want to make sure we reach as many listeners as possible with radio, music and podcasts.”

Radio 4 controller revealed

Meanwhile, Radio 4 factual commissioning editor Mohit Bakaya has become the first BAME controller of the flagship station.

Bakaya steps into the role vacated by Gwyneth Williams, who is soon to depart after a decade at the helm.

According to The Times, Bakaya beat off competition from BBC4 channel editor Cassian Harrison in the shortlist, along with head of current affairs Joanna Carr and Robert Ketteridge, who heads up arts, drama and docs for BBC radio.

Bakaya has been in post since 2008, commissioning current affairs, politics, history, science, natural history and religion shows.

He joined the BBC in 1993 and previously produced docs for Radio 3 and Radio 4.

Radio 2 and Radio 6 head of production Lorna Clarke has also been boarded as the BBC’s inaugural controller of pop music, following the reshuffle instigated by Bob Shennan’s move to become group managing director.

All three will report into director of radio and education James Purnell.

“It’s an exciting time for the audio industry and these are some of the most sought-after jobs in radio,” said Purnell.