Jon Snow to front new Channel 4 documentary 'A Last Big Story'

Jon Snow tackles a final investigation against the backdrop of his Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Channel 4 has announced a new feature-length documentary, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, which follows journalistic and broadcasting icon Jon Snow as he tackles a final sensational scoop against the backdrop of a life-changing diagnosis: Alzheimer's Disease.

Forever associated with Channel 4 News, Jon Snow bestrode the airwaves for a generation, holding the powerful to account. Now, this feature-length documentary, made in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, follows the broadcasting icon as, faced with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he rediscovers his purpose in doing what he has always done: exposing injustice by fighting for a Zambian community whose land and water have been decimated by a mining disaster being covered up by officials.

The film follows Jon and his wife, Dr Precious Lunga, as they come to terms with Jon’s Alzheimer's diagnosis. Precious, a neuroscientist, knows that the worst thing for Jon is to suffer behind closed doors and the couple are determined to live the fullest life possible with the years they have left together.

Together, they embark on a journey, a film intended to reveal Jon's condition to the world, but while on safari at Victoria Falls, Jon hears about a catastrophic mining disaster that has received almost no media coverage. With Precious' support, Jon embarks on one last big story.

Over the course of a year, 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.

Speaking about his diagnosis in the film, Jon said "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."

Adding "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."

Jon Snow is one of the most well-respected and widely recognised British broadcasters of a generation. His 30+ years at Channel 4 News from 1989 to 2021 took him around the world to report on stories including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama's inauguration.

Channel 4 News won 10 BAFTA TV awards during his tenure, while Snow received BAFTA's Richard Dimbleby Award for the best factual contribution to television in 2005, and the BAFTA Fellowship, the organisation's highest accolade, in 2015. His other honours include 10 Royal Television Society awards, including six for presenter of the year.

Speaking about the documentary, Channel 4's Head of News, Current Affairs, Specialist Factual and Sport, Louisa Compton, said "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."

To which Executive Producer, Ben de Pear added "It was lovely being back on the road again with Jon and we are all very proud of this film which not only captures the essence of the man and the journalist, but also how he wants to change the stigma around this disease."

And Michelle Dyson CB, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said "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."

Made by Basement Films, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story was directed by Laura Warner, produced by Robert MacQueen and Charles Sibanda-Lunga, edited by Andy R Worbouys and executive produced by Ben de Pear, Natasha Dack Ojumu & Nevine Mabro.

Jon Snow: A Last Big Story will air Saturday 20th June at 8pm on Channel 4