Biography – Jonathan Thompson
Jonathan Thompson is Chief Executive of Everyone TV, the organisation leading the evolution of free-to-view TV in the UK. He is also responsible for running the country’s two main free TV platforms, Freeview and Freesat.
Jonathan is currently overseeing the development and upcoming launch of Freely – a new streaming service built into smart TVs, that will deliver live TV channels and on demand content over broadband, all in one place, for free for the first time. Due to launch in Q2 2024, Freely will play a crucial role in securing the on-going success of free TV in the UK.
Partnerships are critical to the work Jonathan leads at Everyone TV, which is a joint venture owned and supported by the UK's leading public service broadcasters - BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Collaboration with broadcast partners and industry is key to delivering high quality TV for the nation on a universal and free basis.
In 2015, Jonathan oversaw the launch of Freeview Play, bringing together live TV and on demand content in one place on TVs and set-top boxes. He was also instrumental in the launch of Freeview’s mobile app in 2019, which allows viewers to browse, search and watch content from across a range of broadcasters on the go.
A former Director of Strategy for both Ofcom and Channel 4, Jonathan has extensive experience working in the broadcasting sector and the regulatory environment. During his tenure at Channel 4, he represented the broadcaster as a Freeview board member and immediately prior to joining Everyone TV, he worked in the Office of the Chairman at DMGT plc, advising on group strategy.
Jonathan is also a member of the DTG Council and Board.