Bio
Radio and TV presenter, author, journalist and host
Classical music and Beethoven
John’s lifelong passion for classical music, particularly the life and music of Beethoven, has become a second career for him. For more than a decade he presented Classic FM’s flagship morning show, and then the Classic FM Concert with John Suchet. He was twice honoured for his Classic FM broadcasts, at the New York Festivals International Radio Programme Awards in 2014, and the Association for International Broadcasting Awards in 2013.
John continues to present special series on Classic FM, including ‘Vienna and the Strauss Dynasty’ and in May 2020 a special three-hour programme to mark the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven’s Choral Symphony. He also wrote a piece for the Daily Telegraph on the same subject.
John took part in the BBC Radio 3 series Music on the Frontline, interviewed by Clive Myrie about the music he had in his pocket while covering world events as an ITN reporter.
Reporting the News
Before joining Classic FM, he was best known as one of the country’s most popular television reporters and newscasters. As a reporter for ITN, he covered major events around the world, including the Iran Revolution, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Philippines Revolution. He then became a newscaster for ITN, presenting all major bulletins including News at Ten.
John has been honoured in both roles. He was Television Reporter of the year in 1986, and Television Newscaster of the year in 1996. In 2008 the Royal Television Society accorded him its highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
