Beloved BBC News Presenter George Alagiah has passed away at the age of 67, as confirmed by the BBC. Alagiah, a much-loved journalist and presenter, had been battling bowel cancer since 2014. Despite his illness, he continued to report and present for the BBC for over three decades, with a notable 20-year tenure on the BBC News at Six. Throughout his career, Alagiah received numerous accolades, including awards for his work as a foreign correspondent.
Born in Sri Lanka, Alagiah moved to Ghana and then England during his childhood years. He joined the BBC as a foreign affairs correspondent in 1989 and later became the Africa correspondent. In 1994, he was recognized as Amnesty International’s journalist of the year for his coverage of the civil war in Burundi. Alagiah also received the Broadcasting Press Guild’s award for television journalist of the year.
Over the years, Alagiah presented various news programs on the BBC, including the BBC One O’Clock News, Nine O’Clock News, and BBC Four News. In 2003, he became one of the main presenters of the BBC News at Six. Additionally, he hosted his own show on BBC World News for an extended period. Alagiah’s significant contributions to journalism were acknowledged in 2008 when he was appointed an OBE.
Despite being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014, Alagiah returned to presenting the following year and continued to work for the BBC whenever he was not undergoing treatment. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Frances Robathan, and their two sons, as well as three grandchildren.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie expressed deep sadness over the news, describing Alagiah as one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation. Davie emphasized Alagiah’s exceptional reporting skills and flawless presentation, but also highlighted his kindness, empathy, and remarkable humanity. The loss of this beloved figure is felt deeply throughout the BBC, and his absence will be greatly missed.
