A body of water in Antarctica has been designated the Amos Channel in recognition of a longtime BBC journalist’s contributions to science communication. The channel, located between Rothschild Island and Alexander Island in western Antarctica, was formed when glacial ice connecting the two landmasses separated and melted away.
The naming honors Jonathan Amos, who spent 38 years at BBC News covering Antarctic research and polar science. Throughout his career, he reported extensively on climate-related topics including melting ice sheets, calving icebergs, penguin population changes, and notable discoveries such as the wreck of Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance. According to the UK Antarctic Place Names Committee, which manages geographical designations in British Antarctic Territory and related regions, Amos received the honor for his “exceptional and influential role in bringing Antarctic research to the forefront of public understanding.”
Amos joined the BBC in 1986 as a local radio reporter before transitioning to roles with greater prominence. He was instrumental in launching the BBC News website in 1997 and later oversaw the online science desk. His work eventually expanded across television, radio, and digital platforms before he departed the organization in 2024.
In a statement, Amos expressed surprise and gratification at the recognition. He noted that despite his decades reporting on Antarctica from his desk, he has never visited the continent in person, though the naming has motivated him to make the journey. He emphasized that Antarctica represents a critical location for understanding global climate change and its implications for the wider world.
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