It is broadcast in the weekday evening "drive time" slot and features a mix of live and recorded classical and jazz music, interviews with musicians, and arts news.

[7] From 1997 to 2024, the show's principal host was Sean Rafferty, a presenter known for his work on BBC Northern Ireland.

[13] In June 2024, the BBC announced that Rafferty would leave Radio 3 in April 2025, and that Petroc Trelawny would replace him as a co-presenter of In Tune alongside Derham.

[16] Rafferty stated that he felt "shell-shocked" about the decision by the new Radio 3 controller Sam Jackson to remove him from In Tune, and he decided to leave the station entirely.

[17][18] Other occasional In Tune presenters include Ian Skelly, Sara Mohr-Pietsch, Martin Handley and Sarah Walker.