May 27th: Today’s Feature

May

Born as George McDonald on 16 August 1939, Sir Trevor Lawson McDonald OBE is a highly esteemed newsreader and journalist of Trinidadian-British descent. Prior to his illustrious career as a news presenter with ITN, McDonald gained valuable experience as a print and broadcast journalist in his home country of Trinidad.

He then joined BBC Radio as a producer, stationed in London but still delivering broadcasts to the Caribbean. In 1973, McDonald embarked on a long and successful journey with Independent Television News (ITN), initially serving as a general reporter and notably becoming ITN's first black reporter. His exceptional talent and dedication led to his promotion in 1992 as the sole presenter of the prestigious News at Ten, making him a familiar and respected figure on British television screens. McDonald's remarkable contributions to journalism were recognised in 1999 when he was knighted for his outstanding services.

Early Career

Trevor McDonald, born on 16 August 1939 in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, to Josephine and Lawson McDonald, comes from a Dougla heritage, with his mother being of African descent and his father being of Indian descent.

After establishing himself as a print and broadcast journalist in Trinidad during the 1960s, McDonald's career took a significant turn in 1969 when he joined BBC Radio as a producer, stationed in London but still catering to the Caribbean audience.

McDonald's career reached new heights in 1973 when he joined Independent Television News as a general reporter, becoming the first black reporter at ITN. Over time, he transitioned into sports reporting before eventually focusing on international politics.

While he briefly worked with ITN-produced Channel 4 News in the 1980s, McDonald returned to ITV in 1989, where he became the face of the early-evening news, solidifying his status as a respected and influential figure in the field of journalism.

News at Ten & Tonight

McDonald's career at ITN was marked by significant milestones, starting with his promotion in 1992 as the sole presenter of News at Ten, a role that made him a familiar face on British television screens. Despite the axing of News at Ten in 1999, McDonald remained with ITN and transitioned to presenting the new ITV Evening News.

In 2001, McDonald made a brief return to News at Ten when the show was relaunched, before moving on to present the ITV News at 10.30 following the second axing of News at Ten.

McDonald's career continued to flourish as he hosted ITV's flagship current affairs programme Tonight from 1999 to 2007, and later returned to the show in 2010 with presenter Julie Etchingham.

Northern Ireland & fearful dictators

During a recent interview with John Cleese, Sir Trevor McDonald opened up about his decision to cover The Troubles in Northern Ireland. He explained that he didn't want to be perceived as "the token black man" in the newsroom and wanted to ensure that he was treated equally. Sir Trevor confessed that he had no specific reason for being given the job at ITN and wanted to prove himself by doing what everyone else was doing. He acknowledged that his initial experience in Northern Ireland was challenging due to his lack of familiarity with the situation, but he embraced the steep learning curve and went on to have significant moments as a journalist.

Trevor Mcdonald shared his experience of being in Belfast, where he had never heard a bomb go off before and was unfamiliar with terms like Kalashnikov. He expressed feeling overwhelmed by the situation he was thrown into, describing the aggression in politics and the strong religious influence he observed during his time there.

Reflecting on his interview with Saddam Hussein, Mcdonald admitted to feeling fearful due to the dictator's notorious reputation. He recounted a chilling story of how Saddam Hussein had reportedly shot a minister during a meeting for voicing disagreement, leaving him terrified about the encounter.

Despite his apprehensions, the meeting with Saddam Hussein went smoothly, providing Mcdonald with a rare opportunity to witness the Iraqi leader answering questions. He also shared his admiration for Nelson Mandela, describing him as an extraordinary individual who emerged from 27 years of imprisonment without bitterness towards his past experiences.

First retirement

McDonald bid farewell to his role as anchor at ITN in 2005 after more than 30 years, expressing his intention to not completely retire from television. He opted for a low-key departure, inspired by the exits of renowned American journalists Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather.

McDonald's final sign-off on his last ITV News bulletin was a poignant moment, where he expressed gratitude to viewers and colleagues, marking the end of his association with the news at 10.30 with the following words:

“That brings to an end my association with the news at 10.30. Thank you for watching and thank you for all your generous messages. Good night and goodbye.”

The closing titles featured the iconic News at Ten theme as a tribute to his illustrious career in broadcasting.

Return to News at Ten & Second retirement

ITV made a public statement on 31 October 2007, revealing their plans for McDonald to end his retirement and return to hosting the revamped News at Ten alongside Julie Etchingham in the beginning of 2008.

McDonald's departure from News at Ten was officially confirmed on 30 October 2008, with plans for him to step down once the 2008 US presidential election concluded. Mark Austin was announced as his replacement. McDonald's final broadcast aired on 20 November 2008, and it was noted that he would still be presenting links for the show Tonight.

Black History Month

The renowned broadcaster, Sir Trevor McDonald, delved into the profound significance of the Black History Month celebration for the black community. Reflecting on his upbringing as a black man in Trinidad, he revealed the unfortunate reality that their identity was primarily defined through the lens of their colonial rulers. In fact, the history lessons he received focused more on British history rather than the rich tapestry of Trinidadian heritage. Astonishingly, he confessed that they were taught next to nothing about their own lives as West Indians.

Sir Trevor emphasised the scarcity of education surrounding black history in the West Indies, which further underscored the importance of commemorating Black History Month today. When asked by David Lammy if it bothered him that he lacked knowledge about his own history, the broadcasting legend expressed a deep sense of conviction. He revealed that this knowledge gap left him with a profound feeling of deprivation, as if a vital part of his identity had been withheld from him. Sir Trevor's words resonated with the significance of Black History Month, highlighting the need to reclaim and celebrate the diverse narratives that have shaped the black experience.

Legacy & Honours

Sir Trevor McDonald has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to broadcasting and journalism, receiving honorary degrees from the University of Plymouth and Liverpool John Moores University. In 1999, he was appointed Knight Bachelor for his services, following his previous appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1992.

Throughout his career, Sir Trevor has not only excelled in his role as a journalist but has also been acknowledged for his exceptional work with prestigious awards. In 2003, he received "Special Recognition" at the National Television Awards, highlighting his significant impact on the industry. Additionally, in 2011, he was honoured with a BAFTA fellowship at the British Academy Television Awards, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the world of television.

Sir Trevor's legacy extends far beyond being labeled as "the token black man in the Newsroom." He is celebrated for his remarkable achievements and contributions that have left an indelible mark on the world of journalism. His unwavering dedication to reporting the truth, his insightful analysis, and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level have made him an iconic figure in the industry. Sir Trevor's impact transcends racial boundaries, as he has become a symbol of inspiration and empowerment for aspiring journalists from all backgrounds. His remarkable career serves as a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the invaluable role he played in shaping the landscape of news reporting.