Meet our new Trustee: former broadcaster John Beesley

Written by Divya Kohli
Posted: 22 July 2025

As a child, John Beesley first heard of British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) through a radio appeal on forces radio. Decades later - after a distinguished long career in broadcasting - he’s joined us as a Trustee.

With more than 40 years' experience in radio broadcasting and personal experience of sight loss, John brings a unique and valuable perspective to our work. His appointment strengthens BWBF's commitment to reaching more people with accessible audio technology.

Living with low vision I understand the value of great audio. As technology changes and the available content expands, it’s vital for all of us to have the means to navigate the huge array of choice, discover new possibilities and find what we need.
John Beesley, BWBF's newest Trustee

John’s appointment strengthens BWBF's commitment to reaching more people with accessible audio technology.

We're thrilled to have John join our team. His extensive experience will be a real asset as we work to expand our support for people with sight loss. John's expertise and fresh perspective will help us innovate our services and connect with more people in our community. It's an exciting time for us, and we can't wait to see the difference he'll make.
Sophie Jones, Chief Executive at British Wireless for the Blind Fund

BWBF Trustee John Beesley stands in front of a bookshelf. He is smiling broadly.

A lifelong love of radio

John, who was born with low vision, developed his love of audio as a child.

Growing up in a military family, radio became a vital link to home wherever they were stationed.

His earliest memories include hearing about BWBF through annual appeals on forces radio.

Later, while attending a school for young people living with sight loss in the UK, he met a fellow pupil’s father who used a BWBF-adapted radio. “Like me, he was an avid radio listener, and we had many lively conversations about the things he’d heard on that set,” John recalls.

A distinguished broadcasting career

John studied social and political sciences at Cambridge University, a time when he also began contributing to a newly launched independent local radio station.

After graduating, he joined the station full-time as a journalist, later becoming a producer and presenter. This early newsroom experience laid the foundations for a long and successful broadcasting career. He went on to work across the commercial sector and for the BBC, including the World Service and The Westminster Hour on Radio 4.

Since retiring in 2019, John has remained active in audio, volunteering with community projects, local radio, and podcasting.