As part of last week’s Careers Development Week, the University of Roehampton welcomed Sir Trevor McDonald, one of the UK’s most distinguished and recognisable journalists and broadcasters, to deliver a talk to students on his career, the business of journalism and media, and the important role journalists play in society.
With a career spanning several decades, McDonald became a familiar face on ITV, where he presented major news programmes such as News at Ten and Tonight with Trevor McDonald. His work has taken him across the globe, covering landmark events and interviewing prominent figures, including Nelson Mandela and Saddam Hussein. McDonald’s dedication to journalism has earned him numerous accolades, including a knighthood in 1999.
Introduced by Vice-Chancellor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, McDonald began by speaking about the importance of journalists in society, both historically and today, emphasising the need to hold politicians and public officials to account on behalf of the public.
In his talk, McDonald emphasised the importance of accountability in governance, stating that elected officials must answer to the public. He argued that the public has a right to question the political system and that politicians should respond transparently.
McDonald also highlighted the challenges journalists face today, especially with the rise of misinformation and the influence of social media. He stressed the need for rigorous truth-seeking, including consulting multiple sources to ensure accurate reporting.
Reflecting on his experience interviewing global figures such as George Bush, Saddam Hussein, and Nelson Mandela, McDonald warned of the consequences of a society that lacks a foundation in truth. For a civilised and functional society, he argued, understanding and conveying the truth is indispensable.
Reflecting on his visit to the University, McDonald said, “I was delighted to speak to students at the University of Roehampton. In a world that is increasingly affected by misinformation, polarisation, and a sometimes overwhelming number of information sources, I have a strong fundamental belief in the importance of journalism as a career. Having shared my personal experiences and reflections, I now look forward to seeing these students find success in their own careers in media and journalism.”
The event was part of Careers Development Week, where students had the opportunity to engage with several talks, sessions, and panels, many related to their desired future careers with employers such as Vodafone and the BBC.
Director of Student Futures, Nadim Choudhury, said, “I would like to thank Sir Trevor McDonald for joining us during Careers Development Week. It was truly an honour to welcome someone of his incredible prestige and experience, who stands as a voice for many generations. His presence and words left a lasting impression on our students as they continue preparing for their first steps into their own professional journeys.
“Following another successful Careers Development Week at the University of Roehampton, I believe our students will come away inspired and invigorated to aim high and achieve great things with top-level employers.”