George died today (Monday, 24 July 2023). He had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said:
"Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.
"George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly.
"He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously."
George Alagiah Biography
George Alagiah, a distinguished journalist, dedicated over three decades of his career to reporting and presenting for the BBC. For the past 20 years, he has been the face of the BBC News at Six. However, his journey in journalism began as a foreign affairs correspondent in 1989, after which he became the Africa correspondent, earning accolades for his outstanding work.
Having been born in Sri Lanka and later moving to Ghana and England during his childhood, George brought a unique perspective to his reporting. His exceptional reporting on the famine and war in Somalia during the early 1990s earned him numerous awards. In 1994, he was even nominated for a Bafta for his coverage of Saddam Hussein's genocidal campaign against the Kurds in northern Iraq.
George Alagiah's dedication to journalism extended beyond reporting on conflicts. He was named Amnesty International's journalist of the year in 1994 for his in-depth reporting on the civil war in Burundi. Additionally, he received the Broadcasting Press Guild's award for television journalist of the year.
Throughout his illustrious career, George 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 was appointed as one of the main presenters of the prestigious BBC News at Six. He also had his own show on BBC World News for many years.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, George Alagiah was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008.
In 2014, George faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. However, his determination and passion for journalism remained unwavering, and he returned to presenting the following year. Even during his treatment, he continued to fulfill his role as a BBC presenter, displaying remarkable strength and commitment.
George shared a fulfilling family life with his wife of 40 years, Frances Robathan, and together they had two sons. Their family expanded further with the addition of three grandchildren. Throughout his career and personal life, George Alagiah exemplified resilience, excellence, and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the field of journalism and the lives of those he touched.
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