John Waite is a presenter on British radio and occasionally television. He has been working at the British Broadcasting Corporation for more than thirty-three years.
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Early life [edit]
He was born in Staffordshire. His father ran a corner shop.[1] He went to Sandbach Grammar School for Boys in Sandbach and Wilmslow County Grammar School for Boys in Wilmslow from the age of 15. He gained seven O levels and A levels in English, history and French. He studied English and American literature at the University of Manchester.
Career [edit]
He joined the BBC as a graduate trainee in 1974. He then became a news presenter for BBC Radio London.
BBC Radio 4 [edit]
Waite presents the BBC Radio 4 lunchtime consumer programme You and Yours,[2] and the consumer affairs programme Face the Facts, having joined the programmes in 1986.
According to Waite, his greatest achievement was presenting documentaries, including an exclusive interview with witness "Bromley", the teenage girl whose outbursts during cross-questioning at the Old Bailey brought the Damilola Taylor murder trial to a halt. This particular broadcast led to "Bromley" being invited to 10 Downing Street to discuss ways of better protecting vulnerable young people giving evidence in court.[2]
He says one of his best, and at the same time worst, moments was being so keen to get his microphone close to Prince Charles he stood heavily on his toe.
Waite was a spokesperson while his cousin, Terry Waite, was held hostage in Beirut in the 1990s. He remembers presenting a special programme for his cousin, which Terry managed to hear.
Waite has received numerous awards including a Radio Oscar (Sony) for Broadcaster of the Year.
He also hosts Pick of the Week on Radio 4.
Work outside BBC [edit]
Waite has also fronted the National Trust Magazine's audio version since its inception, and is the voice on The Economist’s weekly podcast.[3]
References [edit]
- ^ "Speakers Corner". John Waite. Speakers Corner. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
- ^ a b "John Waite". BBC Radio 4 People. BBC. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
- ^ "MIG". John Waite. McIntyre Ian Group Limited. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
External links [edit]
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