Jon Zilkha

Jon Zilkhajoined the board of BBC Media Action in October 2025.

It’s a real privilege to join the board of BBC Media Action, whose work enabling the creation and sharing of trusted journalism has never been more vital. 

In my day job, I am Controller of BBC World Service English - the world’s largest international radio station in English - which shares the importance of providing impartial and independent information and giving expression to voices and experiences from every continent. We’re proud to say that the BBC now reaches more than half a billion people every week, and the World Service, through its journalism in 45 languages, is at the heart of that mission.   

BBC Media Action is also a key driver of this growth, supporting local broadcasters and creators in so many places that are hard to reach, helping them become trusted voices for their audiences. For people living through conflict and crisis, information they can trust helps them make sense of events and change their lives for the better.

I’ve been in my current role for more than four years, and with the BBC for more than 30. In that time, I’ve also held a variety of senior editorial roles including Controller of the BBC’s live television news channels, head of BBC News’ Economics and Business Unit, and editor of several radio news programmes. I also led a significant overhaul of BBC News’ operating model. Change has been a constant, and given how fast the media landscape and the supply of information are evolving, it’s an honour to be able to contribute to the essential work of BBC Media Action.