Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda and Al Jazeera’s AJ+ have recently been honored with an Emmy award in the Outstanding Hard News Feature Story category for their documentary, It’s Bisan From Gaza – and I’m Still Alive. Owda has been reporting from Gaza amid ongoing conflict and devastation, bringing the stories of Palestinians to a global audience.
The recognition came amidst controversy, as a pro-Israel organization criticized Owda’s nomination, alleging her affiliation with a leftist Palestinian political movement. However, the National Academy of Television and Arts and Sciences defended the nomination, stating that there was no evidence of such affiliation.
Al Jazeera stood by Owda, denouncing the allegations as baseless and expressing concern for her safety. The media group highlighted the importance of sharing different perspectives in reporting on the war in Gaza and the impact on civilians.
In addition to this award, Owda and AJ+ had previously won a Peabody Award for their coverage of the impact of the conflict on Palestinians in Gaza. Another Al Jazeera program, Fault Lines, also received a News Emmy for its coverage of wildlife trafficking and its impact on the environment.
Al Jazeera expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the importance of journalism in today’s world and the dedication of its teams. The media group also called for international support for journalists working in conflict zones, highlighting the dangers they face while carrying out their essential work.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
