Jon Snow, the legendary Channel 4 newsreader, is 78 years old and facing an Alzheimer's diagnosis. A new feature-length documentary, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, follows his final investigation into a mining disaster in Zambia.
Jon Snow's Age and Background
Born in Sussex in September 1947, Jon Snow is currently 78 and will celebrate his 79th birthday later this year. He announced his Alzheimer's diagnosis in June 2026.
Snow said of his diagnosis: "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."
The Documentary: Jon Snow: A Last Big Story
The documentary follows Snow and his wife, Dr. Precious Lunga, a neuroscientist, as they come to terms with the diagnosis. It also shows Snow rediscovering his purpose by investigating a mining disaster in Zambia that has devastated a local community's land and water.
The synopsis reads: "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."
Career Highlights
Snow worked for more than 30 years at Channel 4 News, from 1989, covering stories like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama's inauguration. He earned 10 Royal Television Society awards, including six for presenter of the year.
After failing to finish law studies at Liverpool University, he directed the New Horizon Youth Centre for homeless young people in London. He became a presenter on LBC Radio in 1973 and joined ITN as a correspondent in 1977, reporting from Somalia. He retired from Channel 4 News in 2021.
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story airs on Channel 4 on Saturday, June 20 at 8pm.
