John Furlong

John Furlong has a diverse work experience spanning various media and broadcasting companies. John began their career in 2001 as a Senior Producer/Output Development Executive at Sit-Up TV/Virgin Media. John then worked as an Executive Producer at Channel 4/Ostrich Media, followed by roles as Head of Programming at iTouch/Ostrich Media and Buongiorno/Ostrich Media.

In 2008, John worked as a Freelance Consultant before joining Ofcom as a Senior Associate, Policy Executive. John was responsible for managing Ofcom's codes on advertising minutage and scheduling, electronic programme guides, listed events, and access services.

John then transitioned to Guardian Media Group/GMG Radio/Channel M where they served as a TV Channel Controller, responsible for the company's local television strategy and decision-making for Channel M, a TV channel for Manchester.

In 2012, they joined the BBC as a Senior Commercial Manager, overseeing commercial relationships with ITV and Channel 4 for HD channel carriage on Freeview. John also worked as a Special Adviser to the Director of Distribution, advising the BBC Executive and BBC Trust on local television infrastructure funding and the BBC's bid to provide the local TV multiplex.

Following their time at the BBC, John co-founded Lean Forward Ltd in 2014, where they held the roles of Co-Founder, COO, and Director of Broadcasting. John was responsible for the company's operations and broadcasting.

Most recently, John Furlong served as the Director of Operations at Everyone TV (formerly Digital UK) from 2016 to the present. This company oversees the day-to-day running of free TV platforms Freeview and Freesat and leads free TV's evolution for the digital age. They are owned and supported by prominent UK public service broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5.

John Furlong completed their BA (Hons) in Politics from Newcastle University from 1997 to 2000. Prior to that, they attended St Edward's College in Liverpool from 1989 to 1996, but no degree or field of study was specified.