This is for the people you don't see on Fox News, but who help bring journalism to light, behind the camera, behind the scenes, tirelessly.
In particular, I am referring to a man called Baz Davies (Barry-John Davies). For years he was a top video editor and then an extensive producer for us in the Fox News London office.
Baz passed away at the age of 46. Cancer took him down. It was a tough fight that lasted years and that he fought as he did everything… with spirit and determination.
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Fox News London bureau producer Baz Davies, left, in Lyon, France. (Greg Palkot/Fox News)
We first worked together in the field in 2012, when we received a surprise overnight invitation to go to North Korea to see Kim Jong Un officially named leader. Our usual cameramen were away, so I turned to Baz, who had worked as a satellite dish operator before Fox News. On the flight, I turned to him and said, “By the way, have you used a camera before?” “Not really,” he replied, “but I'll improvise.” And he did it…very well, even when our tripod got lost at the airport.
Our follow-up assignment was to cover the prom of a high school in a London suburb, reporting on the American institution's move here.
As you can see, he worked with us, in fact, on the widest range of stories possible.
In Ukraine, both in the cities of kyiv and Lviv, we are going through some very difficult times for the country… and for Fox News.
Baz Davies, left, in Hong Kong covering pro-democracy protests. (Greg Palkot/Fox News)
During the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, when the air was filled with stale tear gas and brick throwing.
On the border with Hungary as officials tangled with their own immigration crisis.
In France for some contentious presidential elections and some raucous celebrations at the Women's World Cup final.
The terrorist attacks that left their wake across France, Belgium and the rest of Europe.
In Sweden, solving the mystery of hacker Julian Assange's past.
In Normandy for his moving meetings with brave D-Day veterans.
In London, to watch round after round of the UK's Brexit battle to leave the European Union.
Baz Davies, center, with Greg Palkot, left, and the late Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski.
Baz was warm and funny, a lover of life and people. He liked to work with others, he was always there to lend a hand… and make a joke.
He was a food connoisseur and relished the opportunity to order sushi from the hotel's room service menu.
He loved a good political debate…often clashing with members of the office.
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Baz Davies, right, with Greg Palkot in London. (Greg Palkot/Fox News)
He appreciated music. We attended concerts together. I hated U2. I witness him nailing the opening riff of Bruce Springsteen's “Thunder Road” on an electric keyboard at work.
In fact, it was at Glastonbury, a semi-annual Woodstock-like music festival here in England, where he very romantically met the woman who would become his beloved wife, Sarah.
He very much loved the family they would form. Sarah and Baz had two very cute sons, Rex and Ned. They built a beautiful life together in a very nice house in Cornwall, a coastal area of England. Plus, a five-hour drive from London, which meant some challenging commuting at the beginning and end of each week.
Baz Davies seen here in Lyon, France enjoying a steak.
He was a brave man. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he took on the challenge completely, enduring grueling surgeries and treatments, using Instagram to spread his message about the terrible disease to the general public, while his loving wife Sarah handled all the challenges. of his disability.
A little over a week ago was the last time we saw Baz. The head of the London office, Dragan Petrovic, and I went to Cornwall. It had been a while since we last saw him and the illness had taken its toll. Baz could barely walk and stay awake while we were with him.
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Baz Davies and the team in Hong Kong covering the pro-democracy protests.
But he said something very important when we were there. That she had to make every day count. That she couldn't waste a moment of the time she had left. At that moment, it was clear that she knew there wouldn't be much time left.
After a few hours, he told us he had to go upstairs and take a nap. I hugged him. Dragan helped him into bed. As we said goodbye to a sweet, talented and fun friend. Rest in peace Baz.
