Sir Trevor McDonald on newsroom life, tough stories and world leaders

The legendary news broadcaster opens up to Jenni Murray on Saga’s new podcast, Experience is Everything.

Sir Trevor McDonald and Dame Jenni Murray in the Experience is Everything podcast studio

By Kate Randall | Published - 29 Dec 2025

For many of us, Sir Trevor McDonald is the news. Thanks to more than 30 years at ITN – over 15 of them as the main news anchor – and his Tonight with Trevor McDonald programmes, Sir Trevor has been there through all the big stories, good and bad.

Whether it was reporting on war and famine, a shocking murder or an uplifting story, his familiar and reassuring voice became a staple in living rooms across the country.

At 86, Sir Trevor has now taken more of a back seat in the broadcasting world, but as he explains to Jenni Murray on Saga’s new podcast, Experience is Everything, he will always be addicted to being a journalist.

“It’s genuine, it’s exciting and it’s addictive,” he tells Jenni. “And for all sorts of odd things – when big things are happening, you feel you’re involved, you feel you’re in the middle of it. You’re not, of course, you’ll be on the periphery trying to make sense of it and to report it. But you do get the excitement.”

However, Sir Trevor admits his work and having to be away from home so much had a big impact on his family life – he has been married twice and has three children. The Saga columnist also speaks out how hard it was to distance himself from heartbreaking news stories and why he wouldn’t want to interview President Trump.

“I’m not too sure I would look forward to the prospect of that,” he says. “I don’t quite understand where he comes from on many things.”

Hear more from Sir Trevor on Experience is Everything, as well as listening to other episodes.

Listen now

Written by: Kate Randall

Kate Randall is Saga Magazine's Digital News Editor. Kate has more than 20 years experience in print and digital journalism and specialises in news, entertainment and lifestyle.
In her spare time, she loves trying out the latest exercise trends and fitting in as many holidays as she can.

View author page

Actress Miranda Richardson in a wetsuit by a lake

Miranda Richardson: “Wild swimming makes me a nicer person”

Lyse Doucet at a bird market in Kabul, Afghanistan

Lyse Doucet on life as a foreign correspondent

Penny Lancaster and Rod Steward with their two sons

Penny Lancaster: what it’s like being married to Rod Stewart

Jenni Murray on the set of the Experience is Everything podcast

Welcome to Experience is Everything – the new podcast from Saga

Jenni Murray is back behind the microphone as she chats to national treasures and household names.

Carol Vorderman: “Why I haven’t weighed myself in 26 years”

The TV star chats about health, her love of sprouts and why she’s been proven right about the detox diet.

Penny Lancaster: what it’s like being married to Rod Stewart

Model and TV personality Penny Lancaster talks about life with the legendary rock singer and how she’s grown in confidence.

Annie Lennox wearing a hat and a flowery shirt

Annie Lennox: “I’m a fighter”

The singer-songwriter on being diagnosed with ADHD at 70 and how she’s ageing on her own terms.

Donna Ashworth stood outside smiling in a white shirt and tartan skirt

Donna Ashworth on making poetry popular again

The UK’s bestselling contemporary poet talks about finding huge success in later life and why Christmas is her lifeline.

Prue Leith: “Memories are made out of Christmas disasters!”

For the Bake Off judge, the funniest festive season was the one when the lunch went completely wrong.

Lyse Doucet on life as a foreign correspondent

The BBC’s chief international correspondent on “the pang” she feels when a major story breaks and the marriage proposals she’s turned down.

Mary Berry: “I’ve got pretty good genes”

The baking queen on celebrating her 90th birthday, her daily indulgence and why her husband Paul thinks “cooking is boring”.

Helen Mirren's secret trick for self-confidence that anyone can do

The Oscar-winning actor on rule-breaking, embracing getting older and why sitting up straight is so important.

Sir Trevor McDonald on newsroom life, tough stories and world leaders

Jenni Murray interviews Sir Trevor McDonald

Written by: Kate Randall

Related articles