Sir Trevor McDonald: From offending Thatcher to facing Saddam and fronting News at Ten
Update: 2025-06-27
Description
In this episode, Sir Trevor McDonald joins Dermot Murnaghan to reflect on a broadcasting career that spanned generations.
From his early days in Trinidad to fronting News at Ten, he recalls the clashes and confidences that shaped a lifetime in journalism: arguing with Margaret Thatcher over Nelson Mandela, walking silently through Saddam Hussein’s palace, facing down George W. Bush in the Oval Office, and listening to the quiet wisdom of a newly freed Mandela.
In this episode, Trevor explains:
- Why he once feared Thatcher would never speak to him again
- What happened when George W. Bush ended their interview—and gave a personal tour instead
- How Saddam tried to charm him, and why he refused to shake the dictator’s hand
- What Mandela taught him about forgiveness, dignity, and the power of dialogue
- Why the news must remain impartial—and why his own views were never the point
A portrait of a journalist whose voice became part of national life, and the reason Britain tuned in at ten.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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