Hi, I’m Surya Elango, a presenter and audio documentary producer with over a decade of experience working in-house at the BBC, including Radio 4 and World Service. I create long-form audio documentaries, producing and presenting narrative history programmes. I’m drawn to stories that illuminate lesser heard voices and stretch the boundaries of storytelling. Beyond the microphone, I’m developing a play with the National Theatre of Scotland. I’m exploring work that blend sound, journalism, theatre, and storytelling. I’m passionate about collaboration, lifelong learning, and sharing compelling sound with diverse audiences.

Surya Elango

PRO

Hi, I’m Surya Elango, a presenter and audio documentary producer with over a decade of experience working in-house at the BBC, including Radio 4 and World Service. I create long-form audio documentaries, producing and presenting narrative history programmes. I’m drawn to stories that illuminate lesser heard voices and stretch the boundaries of storytelling. Beyond the microphone, I’m developing a play with the National Theatre of Scotland. I’m exploring work that blend sound, journalism, theatre, and storytelling. I’m passionate about collaboration, lifelong learning, and sharing compelling sound with diverse audiences.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Surya Elango, a presenter and audio documentary producer with over a decade of experience working in-house at the BBC, including Radio 4 and World Service. I create long-form audio documentaries, producing and presenting narrative history programmes. I’m drawn to stories that illuminate lesser heard voices and stretch the boundaries of storytelling.

Beyond the microphone, I’m developing a play with the National Theatre of Scotland. I’m exploring work that blend sound, journalism, theatre, and storytelling. I’m passionate about collaboration, lifelong learning, and sharing compelling sound with diverse audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Playwright Fellow at National Theatre of Scotland
January 1, 2026 - Present
Selected as one of eight playwrights for the NTScotland writer’s programme; currently writing a play as their playwrighting fellow.
Sabbatical at Royal Drawing School / Glasgow Print Studio Residency / Sweden (Shambala Gatherings)
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025
Sabbatical involving residency, artistic practice, and community involvement; chef and babysitter in Sweden.
Long Form Audio Producer and Presenter at BBC Radio 4 – File on 4
March 1, 2023 - April 1, 2026
Produced long-form audio documentaries and current affairs; creating original news documentaries for BBC News; producing Witness History on BBC World Service.
Assistant Producer at BBC Radio 4 – Women's Hour
July 1, 2021 - March 1, 2023
Produced live programmes, features, breaking news, original ideas, reporting, digital, written and audio content.
Community Reporter at BBC Radio Sheffield
November 1, 2018 - July 1, 2021
First Community Reporter; created original reports reflecting underserved audiences in South Yorkshire; work featured on CBBC Newsround, 5live, Radio 4.
Filmmaker / Video Investigative Journalist at Self-Directed / Freelance
January 1, 2018 - April 1, 2019
Wrote and directed the saffron republic short film about Hindu Nationalism; shot in India.
Producer at BBC 100 Women, World Service
September 1, 2016 - December 1, 2016
Produced live seasons and a campaign to promote diverse audiences, including photo series and video.
Freelance Researcher at BBC Radio 4 The Big Debate; BBC Asian Network; World Have Your Say; BBC World Service; BBC Radio 4 The Kitchen Cabinet; Arundhati Roy Episode; The Penguin Podcast; Unreported World; Channel 4
January 1, 2016 - Present
Research and support for commissions and program features across multiple outlets.
Freelance Producer at The Economist Audio Edition; Bestival & Camp Bestival; Sunday Best Recordings; Soho Radio
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018
Freelance production work across radio and audio, including features for The Economist Audio Edition, event coverage for Bestival & Camp Bestival, and Soho Radio sessions.

Education

BA (Hons) History at King's College London
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016
A-Levels (History, Sociology, French, Maths) at Roedean School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
AS Level (Theatre Studies) at Roedean School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011
GCSEs at Queen Elizabeth High School Gainsborough
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2010
6th Form Performing Arts Scholarship at Roedean School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012

Qualifications

Best Presenter of the Year
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Breakfast Show of the Year
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Station of the Year
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Silver Best Student Radio Station 2016
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Nominated for Mixcloud Awards 2015
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Honorary Life Membership (KCL Awards)
January 11, 2030 - June 30, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Government