John has made a wide range of programmes for BBC since joining the organisation in 1989.

His main job is as presenter of The Saturday Magazine on BBC Radio Ulster.

He also presents the weekly classical music show "Sounds Classical", and introduces the live Ulster Orchestra concerts on BBC Radio 3.

He has presented special programmes for Radio Ulster from BRTN in Brussels and BBC in Washington, and the Seamus Heaney archive programme "Radio Heaney" was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.

John also made a TV documentary "The Bard of Armagh" about the singer Tommy Makem in 2006.

He loves hearing people’s stories, both on and off the microphone, and enjoys making radio features.

Away from work John loves traditional music, languages, good food, old Citroens, and travelling.

Find him @johnnytoal on Twitter.