Al Jazeera journalist Bisan Owda and AJ+ have been awarded an Emmy for their documentary, It’s Bisan From Gaza – and I’m Still Alive, highlighting the stories of Palestinians during the recent war in Gaza. Owda’s reporting has brought a human perspective to the Palestinian narrative, countering decades of dehumanisation by mainstream media.
The recognition comes after controversy surrounding Owda’s affiliation with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which she denies. Despite the backlash, the National Academy of Television and Arts and Sciences defended the nomination, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in journalism.
Al Jazeera has stood by Owda, condemning attempts to silence her reporting and affirming her significant contribution to global news coverage from Gaza. The media group urged support for journalists operating in conflict zones, where over 130 journalists have been killed in the past year, including three from Al Jazeera.
In addition to the Emmy win, AJ+ also received a Peabody Award for their Gaza war coverage, while Al Jazeera English’s Fault Lines was recognized for its environmental reporting. The awards underscore the importance of impactful journalism in today’s world.