I'm Richard Whiston, a BBC and Ravensbourne trained sound engineer with a family background in broadcast sound. Since 1994 I’ve built a wealth of technical expertise and managerial skills, contributing to high-profile outside broadcasts, large events, studio-based shows, live rolling news, films, and studio installations. I’m passionate about shaping excellent sound from planning through delivery and enjoy collaborative, team-based environments. I’m an outgoing and resourceful team leader who thrives on creative problem-solving. I’ve led sound teams as Head of Sound for Al Rayyan TV in Qatar and as Principal Sound Engineer for Formula 1, continually developing new techniques to capture and deliver broadcast-quality audio across diverse productions worldwide.

Richard Whiston

I'm Richard Whiston, a BBC and Ravensbourne trained sound engineer with a family background in broadcast sound. Since 1994 I’ve built a wealth of technical expertise and managerial skills, contributing to high-profile outside broadcasts, large events, studio-based shows, live rolling news, films, and studio installations. I’m passionate about shaping excellent sound from planning through delivery and enjoy collaborative, team-based environments. I’m an outgoing and resourceful team leader who thrives on creative problem-solving. I’ve led sound teams as Head of Sound for Al Rayyan TV in Qatar and as Principal Sound Engineer for Formula 1, continually developing new techniques to capture and deliver broadcast-quality audio across diverse productions worldwide.

Available to hire

I’m Richard Whiston, a BBC and Ravensbourne trained sound engineer with a family background in broadcast sound. Since 1994 I’ve built a wealth of technical expertise and managerial skills, contributing to high-profile outside broadcasts, large events, studio-based shows, live rolling news, films, and studio installations. I’m passionate about shaping excellent sound from planning through delivery and enjoy collaborative, team-based environments.

I’m an outgoing and resourceful team leader who thrives on creative problem-solving. I’ve led sound teams as Head of Sound for Al Rayyan TV in Qatar and as Principal Sound Engineer for Formula 1, continually developing new techniques to capture and deliver broadcast-quality audio across diverse productions worldwide.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Audio Mixer (Sound Lead) at China General TV Network
June 1, 2017 - November 6, 2025
Direct report to Head of Operations, responsible for bureau setup and running all audio requirements; liaised with newsroom and talent; location multi-track PSC audio on documentary features across Europe and some post production.
Principal Sound Engineer at Formula One Management
June 1, 2019 - June 1, 2019
Managed the audio team and each Grand Prix project globally from an audio point of view; innovated techniques to capture audio for the international feed; liaised with production, senior management and high-profile talent.
Head of Sound at Al Rayyan TV
November 1, 2016 - November 1, 2016
Managed all technical, logistical and human power across the sound team, scheduling and appraising a team of 22-30 sound engineers across studios, outside broadcasts and PSC/ENG; provided ongoing training and evaluated new technical solutions.
Sound Supervisor at Al Jazeera English
November 1, 2013 - November 1, 2013
Initial channel setup and running all sound requirements for Al Jazeera English’s new channel; coverage included live rolling news with multiple outside sources, translations and extensive comms; ENG and location shoots worldwide.
Sound Supervisor at BSKYB
June 1, 2006 - June 1, 2006
Mixing internationally broadcast Sky News, Sky Sports News, Channel 5 News and various Sky Sports live commentary shows; rigging the floor and comms for OBs, plus front line maintenance.
Sound Operator at Roll to Record
September 1, 2002 - September 1, 2002
On-floor sound operator for live 'Big Brother' eviction shows and related events; handling on-set sound and studio operations.
Sound Recordist at Viewing 4 Leisure.com
September 1, 2001 - September 1, 2001
Location PSC sound recordist on promos for bars, clubs and restaurants in London.
Sound Recordist at The Creation Company
May 1, 2001 - May 1, 2001
PSC sound recordist and lighting camera assistant on various news/documentary & LE shows for Carlton, Granada, CNN and Sky TV.

Education

HND in Professional Broadcasting – Technical Operations at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000

Qualifications

First Aid Certificate (Red Cross)
January 1, 2013 - November 6, 2025
Fire Warden Certificate (St John’s Ambulance / Fire Warden Training)
January 1, 2013 - November 6, 2025
PADI Advanced Open Water scuba diving certificate
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Telecommunications, Professional Services