Trevor McDonald - Speaker

Sir Trevor McDonald OBE is a distinguished Trinidadian-British journalist and newsreader, celebrated for his impactful career in television news. Known primarily for presenting ITN’s News at Ten and Tonight with Trevor McDonald, he has also produced powerful documentaries on topics such as Death Row and notable UK crime cases.

Born in Trinidad in 1939, Trevor began his media journey as a radio reporter before moving to London in the early 1960s. He joined the BBC Overseas Regional Service as a producer in 1969 and later moved to ITN in 1973, where he covered pivotal events including the Northern Ireland troubles and Britain’s negotiations to join the Common Market. Rising to prominence, he became ITN’s Diplomatic Correspondent and anchored Channel Four News, reporting from key global locations such as Egypt, Israel, and the Soviet Union.

In 1992, Trevor became the solo anchor for News at Ten, where he delivered groundbreaking interviews with figures like Nelson Mandela, Saddam Hussein, and Bill Clinton. His work in journalism has garnered numerous awards, including the Richard Dimbleby Award and a BAFTA for his coverage of the 1985 Philippine elections.

From 1999 to 2007, he hosted ITV’s Tonight, conducting in-depth interviews with world leaders like George W. Bush and Tony Blair. Trevor’s compelling documentary work includes Inside Death Row and Trevor McDonald’s Indian Train Adventure.

Knighted in 1999, Trevor has also championed charitable causes, supporting organisations like the Prince’s Trust and promoting literacy and language education. His 2019 autobiography, An Improbable Life, offers a reflective look at his remarkable career. Trevor remains one of Britain’s most trusted voices in news, celebrated for his contributions to journalism and broadcasting.