BAFTA-Winning Investigative Journalist Roger Cook Dies at 83
9 reported
Roger Cook, the investigative journalist known for hosting ITV’s “The Cook Report,” has died at age 83, his family confirmed in a statement. The family described him as a beloved husband and father alongside his award-winning career. ITV led tributes, stating Cook worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping drive changes in the law. Born in New Zealand, Cook moved to the U.K. in the 1960s after starting his career in Australia. He created and presented the radio show “Checkpoint” in the early 1970s before launching “The Cook Report” in 1985. The program became known for filmed stings and confrontations, with Cook credited with inventing the doorstep interview technique. At its peak, the show was the highest-rated current affairs program on U.K. TV, drawing over 12 million viewers, and ran for 16 seasons until 1999. In 1997, the British Academy honored Cook with a special BAFTA award for 25 years of outstanding quality investigative reporting.
What’s reported
Roger Cook died at age 83.
His family confirmed the news in a statement.
He was best known for fronting ITV’s “The Cook Report” in the 1980s and 1990s.
Cook was born in New Zealand and moved to the U.K. in the 1960s after starting his career in Australia.
He created and presented BBC Radio 4’s “Checkpoint” in the early 1970s.
“The Cook Report” launched in 1985 and ran for 16 seasons until 1999, with a 2007 special.
At its peak, the show had more than 12 million viewers and was the highest-rated current affairs program on U.K. TV.
Cook received a special BAFTA award in 1997 for 25 years of outstanding quality investigative reporting.
ITV stated Cook “worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping to drive important and lasting changes in the law.”
Key figures
Roger Cook, investigative journalist
Cook’s family (unnamed in statement)
ITV (network, source of tribute)
British Academy (BAFTA)
Sources: Variety
