BBC Radio 3 Sunday Breakfast presenter, Tom McKinney is to take over weekday Breakfast as current host Petroc Trelawny will move to present In Tune with Katie Derham.
Petroc has previously presented many episodes of In Tune over the years and has fronted BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast since 2011.
Schedule changes from April 2025, will see Tom McKinney presenting Monday to Friday Breakfast from Salford, joining a range of programmes already being produced from Radio 3’s Salford base.
In 2025, Sean Rafferty, the longstanding host of In Tune for over 25 years, is leaving the station. He became the main presenter in 1997 and in 2004 was awarded Radio Presenter of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards and was appointed MBE in 2017 for services to Broadcasting. He is an Honorary Member of the Royal College of Music and an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
Sam Jackson, Controller BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, says: “After over 50 years of broadcasting, nearly three decades of which have been on BBC Radio 3, Sean Rafferty’s impact has been immeasurable – and we all wish him the very best for the future.
“I’m delighted that, after over a decade of early starts, Petroc will be joining Katie to bring his wit, warmth and sparkling rapport to In Tune.
“Tom McKinney, meanwhile, is already one of our most popular broadcasters, and I’m thrilled that he’ll continue to offer the unique and eclectic selection of classical music that Radio 3 Breakfast is known for.
“With the programme set to be broadcast from our new studios in Salford, Radio 3 further reflects the wealth of talent – both on-air and off-air – across the UK.”
Petroc Trelawny says: “Sean has stylishly and wittily helmed In Tune for three decades, creating a very special space for musicians to perform and share rich insights into their work and their lives.
“That artists, singers, conductors and composers so relish appearing on the show, is in a big part thanks to Sean’s personality; his long stewardship of the programme has made it a vital place to celebrate many forms of music making. Alongside Katie, I will be working hard to ensure we maintain the rich jewel of a programme he invented.”
Sean Rafferty says: “I shall miss the truly remarkable and life-enhancing musicians, many coming to the studio ever since they began their careers: a joy. And to be able to share it all with the listeners at home: a privilege. They’ve been like family.”
Tom McKinney says: “Radio 3 Breakfast is a really special place where everyone’s invited to start their day with the best classical music. And that warm welcome is thanks to Petroc.
“Over the last decade he’s built a community of listeners, including me, who are looking to appreciate some of the things that help make the world a more interesting and better place. And it’s what we’ll continue to bring you every morning, with the talent and energy of Radio 3’s team in Salford.”
