In a saddening announcement, the family of investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker John Pilger revealed his passing at the age of 84 at his London home on Saturday. Pilger, recognized for his impactful exposés on the human toll of imperialism, left an indelible mark on journalism with his hard-hitting documentaries.
Among his notable works are ‘Year Zero: The Silent Death of Cambodia,’ ‘Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror,’ ‘The War on Democracy,’ ‘Palestine is Still the Issue,’ and ‘The Coming War with China.’ Pilger’s commitment to revealing the realities of war and the systematic repression within Western democracies earned him acclaim and awards throughout his career.
Host of Going Underground, Afshin Rattansi, spoke highly of Pilger, stating, “Every journalist, even though they may not know it, owes a debt to John Pilger.” Rattansi emphasized Pilger’s dedication to journalism for the ordinary person, not elites, praising his moral compass and perspective from the viewpoint of the average individual.
Pilger was a vocal critic of what he termed “fake journalism,” particularly evident in situations like Gaza and Ukraine. Rattansi noted that Pilger found a platform in RT because he was effectively banned by mainstream British media.
While Pilger had a significant presence in mainstream outlets like Daily Mirror, Reuters, and ITV’s World in Action, he faced increasing marginalization over the past decade. His regular column in The Guardian was discontinued in 2015, a move he characterized as a “purge of those who were saying what The Guardian no longer says anymore.”
Colleagues paid tribute to Pilger on social media, with Kevin Maguire, associate editor of Daily Mirror, describing him as a “great Daily Mirror journalist back in the day” who challenged authority and stood with the underdog.
Kevin Lygo, ITV managing director, acknowledged Pilger as a “giant of campaigning journalism” who provided a radical, alternative approach to current affairs. Rattansi underscored Pilger’s relentless advocacy for WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, considering it a significant part of his legacy.
John Pilger is survived by his partner and two children, Sam and Zoe, both accomplished writers. The journalist’s passing leaves a void in the world of investigative journalism, and his impactful work will be remembered for its courage, insight, and commitment to truth.
