Jon Snow, the veteran Channel 4 News journalist, is 78 years old following his devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis, which is explored in his new documentary Jon Snow: A Last Big Story.
Jon Snow's Age and Diagnosis
Born in Sussex in September 1947, Jon Snow is now 78 and will turn 79 later this year. He announced his Alzheimer's diagnosis in June 2026. Reflecting on his condition, Snow 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." He added: "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: A Last Big Story
The feature-length documentary, airing on Channel 4 on Saturday, June 20 at 8pm, follows Snow as he embarks on one final investigation. The synopsis states: "Together, they [Jon and his wife] 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 the support of his wife, Dr Precious Lunga, a neuroscientist, Snow uncovers a mining and ecological disaster in Zambia, fighting for justice for a community whose land and water have been decimated. The film documents their journey as they navigate the reality of his diagnosis.
Jon Snow's Career
Snow spent over three decades at Channel 4 News from 1989, reporting on major events including the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nelson Mandela's release, and Barack Obama's inauguration. He earned numerous accolades, including 10 Royal Television Society awards, with six recognizing him as presenter of the year. After failing to finish his law studies at Liverpool University, he directed the New Horizon Youth Centre before becoming a presenter on LBC Radio in 1973 and a correspondent for ITN in 1977.
