Telegraph's David Knowles, Creator of Ukraine Podcast, Dies at 32

David Knowles, a senior audio journalist and presenter at The Telegraph, has passed away at the age of 32. Knowles, known for creating the award-winning podcast "Ukraine: The Latest," died unexpectedly in Gibraltar on September 8, 2024, reportedly due to cardiac arrest.

Joining The Telegraph in 2020, Knowles quickly made his mark in the world of digital journalism. Initially serving as deputy head of social media, he later became head of social media before transitioning to a role that allowed him to focus on his passion for journalism.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Knowles launched "Ukraine: The Latest." The podcast, which began as a Twitter Space before evolving into a full-fledged audio production, has since garnered nearly 100 million downloads. In 2024, it received the Best News Podcast award at the Publisher Podcast Awards, recognizing its significant contribution to war coverage and audio journalism.

Peter Knowles, David's father, shared insights into his son's dedication to his craft: "David's commitment to journalism was intense. He was never more proud than when he finally shrugged off a management job title and regained a title with the word 'journalist' in it."

Knowles' work on "Ukraine: The Latest" went beyond studio recordings. He made four trips to Ukraine, capturing stories of ordinary citizens affected by the conflict. His efforts to document the impact of the war on civilian populations exemplify the critical role of conflict reporting in modern journalism.

The podcast's success extended beyond its listener base. Knowles and his team were invited to speak at prestigious venues, including the US Embassy in London, the Chalke Valley History Festival, and Armed Forces Day in Scarborough. These appearances highlight the growing importance of podcasting in disseminating news and historical context.

Chris Evans, the editor of The Telegraph, paid tribute to Knowles: "David was a talented and popular journalist who was perhaps best known for helping to make our Ukraine podcast such a success. Before that, he was an impressive leader of our social media team."

Knowles' untimely passing serves as a reminder of the dedication and passion that journalists bring to their work, especially in covering complex and challenging topics like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His legacy continues through the podcast he created, which remains an essential source of information and analysis for listeners worldwide.