Channel 4 has announced a new feature-length documentary following Jon Snow as he comes to terms with being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and tackles one more investigative case.
The veteran broadcaster’s new project A Last Big Story was made in conjunction with Alzheimer’s Society and was intended to reveal his condition to the world.
However, while on safari at Victoria Falls with his wife Dr Precious Lunga, Snow learns of a local community whose land and water have been decimated by a mining disaster that received almost no media coverage.
Per the official Channel 4 synopsis: “Alongside his friend and former colleague Ben de Pear and with the help of an inspiring team of Zambian campaigners, Jon uncovers one of the worst mining and ecological disasters of modern times and sets off on a mission to get the forgotten victims justice.”
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story will air on Channel 4 on Saturday 20 June at 8pm.
Speaking about his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in the film, Snow says: “At the beginning I wanted to hide it, there’s so much prejudice. Any sort of hint of mental decay, you’re sort of dead. There are moments when it pops up but it’s not an all day, every day condition, and that’s what I cling onto.”
He adds: “I’ve witnessed a great deal, I hope I’ve learned something – but I’ve still got a huge amount to learn. We all have. There’s still more to do.”
Snow is best known for his time fronting Channel 4 News from 1989 to 2021, with the broadcaster being recognised with BAFTA’s Richard Dimbleby Award for the best factual contribution to television in 2005 and a BAFTA Fellowship in 2015.
Louisa Compton, head of news, current affairs, specialist factual and sport at Channel 4, said of the upcoming documentary: “Jon Snow is not just one of Channel 4’s most recognisable faces – he is part of our very fabric and is dearly loved by viewers around the UK.
“It is a profound privilege that we are able to document his last big investigation, in a sensitively made film that frames Jon’s current affairs nous alongside a new life lived with Alzheimer’s. We hope this film will go a long way to raise awareness of how to live whilst facing a life-changing diagnosis.”
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose ‘Accept and continue’ to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s Society CEO Michelle Dyson added: “Jon’s decision to talk publicly about his dementia diagnosis is a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many.
“His support for Alzheimer’s Society will help spark a national conversation about dementia that we so desperately need. Despite being the UK’s biggest killer, dementia is still not treated with the same urgency as other major health conditions like cancer.
“Alongside his wife Precious, Jon is shining a light on the need for faster, fairer access to diagnosis. An early diagnosis can unlock vital support, help families plan ahead and potentially open the door to participation in clinical trials. Yet too many people across the country are still waiting far too long for a diagnosis.”
For further support and information about dementia, please visit the Alzheimer’s Society website.
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story will air on Channel 4 on Saturday 20 June at 8pm.
Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
