Iconic Trinidadian-British newsreader and journalist, Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, born 16 August 1939 to a mother of African descent and father from India, is best known as a news presenter with ITN.
The foremost veteran journalist, 81, knighted in 1999, in honor of his distinguished services in journalism has applaudably garnered up enviable repute for his excellence in the media world and has over the course of his career, interviewed world leaders including Nelson Mandela, Saddam Hussein and US President Bill Clinton amongst other notable personalities, cementing an incredible legacy.
During the 1960s, Sir Trevor McDonald worked as a print and broadcast journalist in Trinidad. In 1969, he was employed by BBC Radio as a producer, based in London, but still broadcasting to the Caribbean. The year 1973 saw the emergence of his long term association with Independent Television News, starting off as a general reporter, later as a sports correspondent, but ultimately concentrating on international politics. In the 1980s, he spent some time with the ITN-produced Channel 4 News, but returned to ITV in 1989, presenting the early-evening news.
In 1992, the foremost journalist had already established himself as a force in British Television and was promoted as the sole presenter of News at Ten British television screens. McDonald is known for News at Ten, ITV Evening News. From 1999 to 2007, he hosted ITV’s flagship current affairs program Tonight with Trevor McDonald.
In 2005 after more than 30 years at ITN, the veteran newsreader stepped down from his role as anchor, but stated he wasn’t retiring completely from television. Passion called and he later returned to work to present the News At Ten, but retired again for a second time at the end of 2008. Although he’s still very active dishing TV documentaries, including To Catch a Serial Killer, and Fred & Rose West: The Real Story with Trevor McDonald.
Sir Trevor McDonald OBE throughout his super successful career has deservedly racked up prestigious honors, including being appointed Knight Bachelor in the Queen’s 1999 Birthday Honours for his services to broadcasting and journalism, awarded “Special Recognition” at the National Television Awards in 2003 and a BAFTA fellowship at the 2011 British Academy Television Awards.
McDonald holds honorary degrees from the University of Plymouth and Liverpool John Moores University.
