On September 27, Palestinian journalist and activist Bisan Owda and Al Jazeera’s AJ+ received an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Hard News Feature Story category for their documentary, ‘It’s Bisan from Gaza—and I’m Still Alive’. The film focuses on the early days of Israel’s attack on Gaza, showing both the devastation and the resilience of Palestinians.
Bisan Owda, 26, who has been reporting from Gaza since the war began in October last year, played a vital role in bringing the stories of Palestinians to a global audience during the ongoing conflict. Dima Khatib, Managing Director of AJ+, commented on the win: “This award is a testament to young Palestinian journalists and their professionalism. Bisan’s reporting has humanised the Palestinian story after years of media dehumanisation. Winning this Emmy is a victory for humanity.”
The recognition came despite lobbying from a pro-Israel group, Creative Community for Peace, which attempted to get her nomination rescinded due to alleged ties between Owda and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), claims she denied.
The PFLP is recognised as a “terrorist organisation” by several Western countries. Adam Sharp, President of the National Academy of Television and Arts and Sciences (NATAS), defended the nomination, stating that the panel found no evidence linking Owda to the PFLP.
In response, Al Jazeera expressed support for Owda, describing her as a “renowned journalist and influencer” who has significantly contributed to global awareness of Gaza. They denounced the accusations as baseless and an attempt to silence her. The statement underscored the dangers journalists face, with over 130 journalists, including three from Al Jazeera, killed in the conflict, according to Reporters Without Borders.
In addition to the Emmy, Owda and AJ+ were also honoured with a Peabody Award earlier this year for their Gaza coverage.
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