Sean Rafferty will leave Radio 3 next April, according to the BBC. His departure will end a 28-year run on the flagship programme, In Tune, which he began presenting in 1997. Rafferty expressed that he will “truly miss” hosting the show, which features interviews, live performances, and classical music.
Petroc Trelawny, the current presenter of BBC Radio 3’s breakfast show, will replace him, alongside co-presenter Katie Derham.
Announcing his departure, Rafferty expressed that he will miss the musicians he has worked with over the years and the privilege of sharing those experiences with listeners, whom he considers like family.
Rafferty was born in Belfast, adopted, and raised in Newcastle, County Down. His mother introduced him to music, but he initially pursued a career in law, studying at Queen’s University in Belfast, and then became an accountant. His broadcasting career began by chance when he left his job to become a researcher for BBC Northern Ireland and ended up on live television unexpectedly.
In the 1970s and 80s, Rafferty became a familiar face on local TV and radio, presenting news programmes like Scene Around Six and Inside Ulster. In 1990, he launched the Radio Ulster interview programme Rafferty, featuring guests like recently-released Beirut hostages Brian Keenan and John McCarthy. He also presented arts shows before moving to BBC Radio 3.
Known for his expertise, calm demeanor, and deep knowledge of classical music, Rafferty quickly became a central figure on In Tune. The show, which features a mix of live and recorded elements, requires a confident and agile host. His self-deprecating humor and witty remarks made him especially beloved by listeners.
Rafferty once described himself as an unlikely broadcaster and recalled how music was a lifeline during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He likened the experience to the Blitz, where the uncertainty of the next day heightened his appreciation for music.
An amateur violinist, Rafferty used his musical knowledge in interviews with renowned musicians such as Yo Yo Ma, André Previn, Daniel Barenboim, Nicola Benedetti, Lang Lang, Cecilia Bartoli, and Dame Janet Baker. He particularly enjoyed introducing new talent to listeners.
Rafferty was named radio presenter of the year at the 2004 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards and was appointed MBE in 2017 for his services to broadcasting.
Petroc Trelawny, who will succeed Rafferty, praised his warmth and humanity on air, noting that his personality made In Tune a cherished space for musicians. Trelawny expressed his commitment to maintaining the high standards Rafferty set.
Tom McKinney will take over as host of Radio 3’s weekday breakfast show, which will move to Salford in 2025.
