Sir Trevor McDonald

Sir Trevor McDonald OBE is one of the most esteemed and recognisable figures in British broadcasting. Trevor’s career in journalism spans over five decades, beginning in the early 1960s when he worked as a reporter and newsreader for Radio Trinidad and later as a producer and presenter for Trinidad Television. In 1969, he joined the BBC World Service in London, producing and presenting programmes aimed at audiences in the Caribbean. His commitment to factual, balanced reporting led to his historic appointment in 1973 as ITN’s first Black reporter, covering major domestic and international stories, including the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Trevor’s groundbreaking work quickly established him as a respected and authoritative journalist in British media.

Trevor’s reputation for insightful international reporting was solidified in 1982 when he became ITN’s Diplomatic Correspondent, a role that took him to conflict zones and political hotspots across the globe. He reported from the Middle East, South Africa, and the United States, covering historic moments such as the release of Nelson Mandela, whom he also interviewed in 1990, and conducting an exclusive interview with Saddam Hussein on the eve of the Gulf War. Trevor’s distinguished reporting earned him the role of sole presenter of ITV’s flagship News at Ten in 1992, where he became one of the most trusted and recognisable news anchors in Britain. His contribution to journalism has been recognised with the Richard Dimbleby Award for Outstanding Contribution to Television from BAFTA and the Royal Television Society Gold Medal.

In addition to his work in news broadcasting, Trevor became a leading figure in documentary and current affairs programming. From 1999 to 2007, he hosted ITV’s Tonight with Trevor McDonald, where he conducted in-depth interviews with figures such as President George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and Hillary Clinton. Trevor has fronted numerous acclaimed documentaries, including Inside Death Row, The Mafia with Trevor McDonald, and Fred and Rose West: The Real Story, demonstrating his ability to handle complex and sensitive subjects with empathy and journalistic integrity.

Trevor’s services to journalism and broadcasting were formally recognised with an OBE in 1992 and a Knighthood in 1999. He has received honorary degrees from several leading universities and was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship in 2011. Today, Trevor is in high demand as an event host and keynote speaker, known for his eloquence, gravitas, and warmth. His legacy as a pioneer in British media and his commitment to the highest standards of journalism continue to inspire broadcasters and audiences alike. Champions Speakers is proud to represent Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, offering clients the opportunity to work with one of the most distinguished figures in British broadcasting.