Channel 4 News Chief: 'Journalism Is Not a Crime' at BAFTAs 🏆

Federico Escher, head of foreign news at Channel 4 News, delivered a powerful speech at the BAFTAs after Channel 4 won the News Coverage award for its reporting, "Israel-Iran: The Twelve Day War", while paying tribute to journalists working under extreme danger in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

Speaking on stage, Escher said: "Journalism is not optional, it is a necessity," adding that "journalism is not a crime."

He described independent and well-funded public service journalism as "fundamental", not a luxury, and said the award belonged to journalists around the world.

Escher dedicated the moment especially to journalists in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon "who risk their life every day just to do their job."

His remarks come as Palestinian journalists in Gaza continue reporting under Israeli bombardment, with many targeted, killed, wounded or displaced while documenting Israel's genocide on the ground.

Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0fZh5SBxxMNYdg0VzRFkg/join

Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews.

Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST
Got a story tip or question? Reach us at MEELive@middleeasteye.org

Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH

Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG

Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middleeasteye
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MiddleEastEye
Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MiddleEastEye
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye