Richard Knight – Director, BBC Studios Audio – today announced the appointment of 2024 Ambie award winner Annie Brown as Executive Editor in the US.
BBC Studios Audio was created on 1 April 2024 following the transfer of some audio production from the BBC’s in-house production team to BBC Studios, the broadcaster’s commercial arm. The move established a multi-genre audio operation in BBC Studios which makes high quality programming for BBC audiences and explores opportunities in the global audio market. BBC Studios Audio productions include Desert Island Discs, In Our Time, This Cultural Life, Things Fell Apart, You’re Dead To Me, The News Quiz, I Am Not Nicholas, Evil Genius, History’s Secret Heroes, The Infinite Monkey Cage, To Catch A Scorpion and many more.
Annie will be based in New York where she will lead BBC Studios Audio’s US strategy, oversee development for US audiences and platforms and work closely with development executives and producers in the UK.
She has a stellar track record as a producer and creative leader on The New York Times’ The Daily and 1619 podcasts. She also created the smash hit serial podcast, Ghost Story, with Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios. Ghost Story won the 2024 AmbieÒ Award for Best Documentary Series.
Thomas Curry is also joining Knight’s top team as Head of Production. Thomas will lead production management across BBC Studios Audio and oversee the delivery of a breadth of outstanding content to the BBC and global platforms.
A British Podcast Award winner, Thomas brings a wealth of commercial and production experience to the role having worked with Apple, Audible, CBC, Criminal, Crooked, Love + Radio, Spotify, Wondery and others.
Annie and Thomas take up their positions this summer.
Richard Knight, Director, BBC Studios Audios, says: “At BBC Studios Audio we’re proud of where we came from. Our heritage is unique. But we’re also excited about where we’re going. Our transfer to the BBC’s commercial arm opens up new possibilities and I’m delighted Annie and Tom are joining to help us explore them.”
Annie Brown says: “I’m thrilled to be joining such an exciting team and looking forward to supporting the future growth of the BBC Studios.”
In addition to appointing Annie Brown and Thomas Curry, BBC Studios has also hired Ella Woods as its first dedicated podcast marketing manager and Mary Milad as its first dedicated podcast insights analyst.