Renowned BBC journalist George Alagiah passes away after brave battle with cancer

Remembering George Alagiah: A Respected BBC Journalist and Newsreader

Renowned BBC journalist and newsreader, George Alagiah, has passed away at the age of 67 after battling bowel cancer. Alagiah, who was deeply loved by all who knew him, had a distinguished career spanning over two decades as the presenter of BBC News at Six. His death has prompted an outpouring of moving tributes from colleagues and viewers alike. Born in Sri Lanka, Alagiah moved to Portsmouth with his family during his secondary school years. He later studied politics at Durham University, where he began his journey in journalism as the editor of the student newspaper Palatinate. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Frances Robathan, and the couple went on to have two children.

A Legacy of Integrity and Dedication

Durham University paid tribute to Alagiah, describing him as a journalist of the highest integrity and calibre. Colleagues at the BBC also shared their grief, with Naga Munchetty and Clive Myrie visibly emotional as they remembered their beloved friend and mentor. Throughout his career, Alagiah reported on major global events, including the famine and US intervention in Somalia, the genocide in Rwanda, and the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. His reporting was always enriched by his personal experiences, having grown up in Ghana during the era of African liberation and later becoming a migrant to the UK. Alagiah's dedication to journalism was recognized with numerous awards, including a Bafta for best news and current affairs journalism. He was also a passionate advocate for fair trade and was appointed OBE in 2008.

A True Giant Remembered

Despite his battle with cancer, Alagiah remained resilient and continued to work until late 2022 when he stepped down from presenting. He leaves behind his wife, Frances, and their two sons, Adam and Matthew. The passing of George Alagiah marks the loss of a true giant in the field of journalism. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to reporting the truth will be sorely missed.