The documentary Jon Snow: A Last Big Story offers a valediction that forbids mourning, following the 78-year-old investigative journalist and former Channel 4 news anchor after his Alzheimer's diagnosis. During a visit with his wife, Dr Precious Lunga, to Zambia, Snow learns of an unreported environmental catastrophe involving a Chinese mining company, prompting him to pursue the truth.
A Journalist's Instincts Remain Sharp
Early in the film, Snow asks with curiosity about the cameras around him. His interviewer, Laura, explains they are making a film about his career and who he is now. "Lumme!" Snow exclaims, "How nice!" Later, he politely forgets her name, introducing himself as Jon. The documentary intercuts historical footage of Snow reporting from El Salvador, Manhattan after 9/11, and Bhopal, and interviewing Mandela, Reagan, and Gorbachev. His doctor measures his decline: he cannot recall the day's date or three test words minutes later. "I am your willing victim," he says, reflecting his acceptance of the disease.
Uncovering a Toxic Disaster
In Zambia, a safari guide tells Snow about a dam collapse at a copper mine owned by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, spilling 1.5 million tonnes of toxic waste containing uranium, arsenic, and cyanide. Snow's nephew Charles Sibanda-Lunga introduces him to activists Chepa Mahata and Sarah Sakani. As they travel downriver, Snow again asks about the cameras, laughing when told they are making a film about him. He listens intently, asking pertinent questions, and summarises the situation as "the whole nine yards of exploitation, suffering and failure." In a vulnerable moment, he asks Charles, "Am I doing all right? You would say if I was not?"
Compassion and Courage Undimmed
Snow's outrage at the devastation remains strong: "The whole field is dead! And nothing has been done." His courage is evident when a community meeting with lawyer Brigadier Siachitema is broken up by police and a mining company representative. As the team retreats, Snow thanks them "for being so supportive of me, given my condition." Ben de Pear, his former editor, replies, "The privilege is all ours." The team later obtains an explosive report on the dam collapse and leaks it to international news outlets, leading to coverage of what is described as the worst environmental disaster in Africa for 30 years.
A Dignified Tribute
Reflecting on his career, Snow says, "It would be arrogant to claim that I have been excellent throughout. I haven't. But I feel I've made an honourable contribution." The documentary itself is part of that contribution, offering an intelligent, gentle-but-unsentimental hour that gives Snow his laurels and his dignity, while acknowledging the cruelty of the disease. Jon Snow: A Last Big Story aired on Channel 4. This article was amended on 21 June 2026 to correct Dr Precious Lunga's title from neurologist to neuroscientist.
