Background
He was born in Stoke-on-Trent and raised in nearby Kidsgrove in Staffordshire. His father ran a corner shop.
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John Waite
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He studied English and American literature at the University of Manchester.
Career
He has worked at the British Broadcasting Corporation since 1973. 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 joined the British Broadcasting Corporation as a graduate trainee in 1973.
He then became a news presenter for British Broadcasting Corporation Radio London, before joining British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 4 as a presenteer in 1986. British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 4
Waite presents the British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 4 lunchtime consumer programme You and Yours, and the consumer affairs programme Face the Facts, having joined the programmes in 1986.
He has also presented 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.
He says the worst moment in his career was being so keen to get his microphone close to Prince Charles he stood heavily on his toe.
He also hosts Pick of the Week on Radio 4. Work outside British Broadcasting Corporation
Waite has also fronted the National Trust Magazine"s audio version since its inception, and is the voice on The Economist’s weekly podcast.
