Sir Trevor McDonald
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Sir Trevor McDonald
Sir Trevor McDonald is arguably the most recognisable news presenters and broadcasters in British history, as well as a global superstar.
His career started in Trinidad – where he was born and educated – first as a radio reporter, then news presenter, and sports journalist. One of his first big assignments came in 1962, where he travelled to London to report on talks happening at Marlborough House on Trinidadian independence.
He moved permanently to London in 1969 aged about 30 to work as a producer in the BBC Overseas Regional Service.
In his 55+ year career, Sir Trevor has presented on everything from political elections, royal deaths, and international conflicts, interviewed the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and been awarded honorary degrees from the Universities of Plymouth, and Liverpool John Moores, was awarded with a Special Recognition BAFTA in 2003 and a BAFTA fellowship in 2011, and was knighted in 1999 for his services to broadcasting and journalism.
In 2005, he stepped down from his role at ITN, but said he had no plans to retire completely from television, and in fact he returned in 2008 to presented the relaunched News at Ten, where he stayed until the end of the year.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book legendary broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald for your next event.
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More About Sir Trevor McDonald
SIR TREVOR McDONALD | PRESENTING CAREER
Whilst Sir Trevor McDonald enjoyed his producing work, he found progression was slow moving, and in 1973 he moved to ITN to work as their first black reporter. He would spend two years as their sports correspondent, but found his interest lay in current and international politics and affairs, and he would become their diplomatic correspondent. From 1982 and 1987, was the diplomatic correspondent and newsreader for the ITN-produced Channel 4 News, but moved to ITV in 1989 as presenter of the Early Evening News.
His big shot came in 1992 when he was promoted to be the main presenter of News at Ten, after market research concluded audiences preferred him over his younger colleagues. He would go on to front the show until 2004, when he moved to ITV News at 10.30. For almost a decade, Sir Trevor hosted ITV’s flagship current affairs show, Tonight With Trevor McDonald.
Whilst based in the UK since the late 60s, Sir Trevor McDonald has reported from countries around the world, including Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, the Soviet Union, and Syria.
As well as his news reading, Sir Trevor has fronted a huge number of documentaries, on travel, royalty, politics, and crime, including:
– The Secret Caribbean (2009)
– The Secret Mediterranean (2011)
– The Mighty Mississippi (2012)
– Queen Elizabeth II: Her Remarkable Life Through the Decades (2012)
– Inside Death Row (2013)
– The Mafia with Trevor McDonald (2015)
– Inside Scotland Yard (2016)
– An Hour to Catch a Killer (2017)
– James Bulger: A Mother’s Story (2018)
– Fred & Rose West: The Real Story (2019)
– Has George Floyd Changed Britain? (2021)
– The Killing of PC Harper: A Wife’s Story (2022)
– Pride of Britain: A Windrush Special (2023)
SIR TREVOR McDONALD | OTHER MEDIA
Sir Trevor has hosted live events from up and down the UK, including Hogmanay at the Palace in Scotland, and has interviewed the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Colonel Gaddafi, President Bill Clinton, and Saddam Hussein.
He has made appearances on Have I Got News For You (2006), Loose Women (2007-18), Portrait Artist of the Year (2020), Countdown (2021-22), Between the Covers (2022), Gods of Tennis (2023), The Dinosaur Hour (2023), and Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey (2024).
SIR TREVOR McDONALD | OTHER WORK
Sir Trevor was the former Chancellor of London South Bank University, is a Governor at King’s College School in Wimbledon,
He has published a wide range of books, including:
– Viv Richards: The Authorised Biography (1984)
– Clive Lloyd – The Authorised Biography (1985)
– The Queen and the Commonwealth (1986)
– Fortunate Circumstance (1993)
– Trevor McDonald’s Favourite Poems (1997)
– Trevor McDonald’s World of Poetry (1999)
– An Improbable Life: The Autobiography (2019)
– On Cricket (2024)
Sir Trevor is a huge supporter of a number of charities, including De Paul Trust, the Friends of Barnes Hospital, the Leukaemia Trust, Macmillan Cancer Research, the National Children’s Homes, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Playing Fields Association, The Prince’s Trust, Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, Sight Savers, and St John Ambulance.
A globally recognised broadcast journalist, Sir Trevor is now booked on a range of corporate events due to his impeccable presenting skills, and is perfect for corporate speaking, or as an events/awards host.
Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald for your next live event.
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