BBC presenter reduced to tears as Syrian baby is rescued from the rubble
'My job to be inscrutable & impartial but I am also human,' says the news presenter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A BBC News presenter has broken down in tears after presenting a story of a baby being dramatically rescued from the rubble in Syria.
Kate Silverton, a 46-year-old journalist who has long been a mainstay on the channel, found herself unable to contain her tears on Friday's BBC lunchtime news after showcasing the harrowing footage. The clip showed a Syrian rescue worker extracting a baby covered in dust and the residue of yet another airstrike from a bomb-destroyed building in Idlib, 40 miles south-west of Aleppo.
The baby girl, who is estimated to be just 30 days old, was brought to safety by a White Helmets volunteer Abu Kifah after several hours spent digging for casualties after air strikes. Like Silverton, Mr Kifah was also reduced to tears after transporting the injured baby to a nearby ambulance.
After showing the dramatic footage, Silverton went straight on to presenting another story but looked visibly emotional while doing so, with tears streaming down her cheeks and makeup smudged on her face.
Viewers praised Silverton’s display of emotion on social media, with one commending her “utmost poise and professionalism following an extremely distressing piece”.
Silverton thanked the audience for their support, explaining that she was only human. “To all of you sending thoughts - thank you - no words really - my job to be inscrutable & impartial but I am also human #syria,” she tweeted.
“As ever you are empathic - human moments are indeed contagious - how we wish it could effect change to stop the killing - on all sides,” Silverton later added.
“Kate Silverton Heartwarming response to your reaction I think. And these human moments are contagious. The world is better with them,” wrote one viewer. While another said, “You're one of the few bright sparks still at the BBC. Very humble and humane. Kudos to you.”
“Exceptional delivery of the news Kate... very difficult story to deliver. I cried with you,” added another.
The White Helmets were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize this year and have helped save thousands of lives throughout years of fighting prompted by the Syrian Civil War.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments