Antarctic Waterway Named After BBC's Former Science Correspondent
The Amos Channel in western Antarctica is named for veteran reporter Jonathan Amos, who covered polar science extensively for the BBC.
A significant waterway in western Antarctica has been officially named the Amos Channel in honor of Jonathan Amos, the former BBC science correspondent. Amos, who retired in 2024, dedicated a substantial portion of his career to reporting on polar science, including the melting ice sheets, colossal icebergs, and the discovery of Ernest Shackleton's lost ship, the Endurance.
Amos expressed his surprise and delight at the accolade, calling it an "extraordinary accolade." Despite his extensive reporting on the continent, he has not yet visited Antarctica himself. "I've written about it so often, but always from my desk - this is quite the incentive to go and visit," he stated.
He described Antarctica as "the front line of the biggest news story on planet Earth - climate change." This perspective aligns with his journalistic focus, which consistently highlighted the importance of Antarctic research for understanding the global environment and societal challenges.
The naming of geographical features in Antarctica adheres to strict protocols. The recommendation for the Amos Channel came from the UK Antarctic Place Names Committee, which oversees naming conventions within the British Antarctic Territory and surrounding islands. Athena Dinar of the British Antarctic Survey noted that Amos's "passion for Antarctica and engaging journalism offers something for every reader, viewer or listener," deeming the naming a "fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution to the promotion of Antarctic research."
Amos began his career at the BBC in 1986, starting as a local radio reporter in Cambridge. He played a role in the launch of the BBC News website in 1997 and subsequently managed its online science desk for many years. His reporting on Antarctica, penguin colonies, and other scientific discoveries earned him recognition for his ability to explain complex research and its significance.
Fiona Fox of the Science Media Centre commented that Amos "consistently highlighted the importance of Antarctic research, explaining not only what science is being done there, but why it matters for society, climate understanding and the global environment."