Sir Trevor McDonald OBE is a name synonymous with journalistic excellence, integrity, and quiet charisma. For decades, he has been a trusted voice in British households, a trailblazer for diversity in media, and a symbol of Caribbean brilliance on the global stage.
Born in Trinidad in 1939, Sir Trevor’s journey began with humble roots and a boundless passion for news. His early work with Radio Trinidad and later with the BBC Caribbean Service laid the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic broadcasting careers in British history. In 1973, he joined ITN as a reporter, and in doing so, became the first Black newsreader on British television—breaking barriers and rewriting history.
He is best remembered for presenting News at Ten, delivering some of the world’s most defining moments—from royal weddings and political upheavals to global tragedies and humanitarian milestones—with gravitas and grace. His interview roster reads like a who’s who of modern history: Nelson Mandela, Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and U.S. presidents past and present.
Knighted in 1999 for services to journalism, Sir Trevor has not only shaped how the news is told—he has shaped what it means to listen. His documentaries, including Inside Death Row, The Mafia with Trevor McDonald, and The Secret Mediterranean, reveal his enduring curiosity and empathy, engaging audiences across generations.
Sir Trevor McDonald is more than a broadcaster. He is a storyteller of conscience, a voice of reason, and a gentleman whose legacy is woven into the cultural fabric of Britain and the Caribbean alike.
