Roger Cook, the investigative journalist best known for the current affairs programme The Cook Report, has died at the age of 83 after a short illness.
Family Statement
His family released a statement saying: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Cook, who died peacefully on Saturday after a short illness. Alongside a distinguished and award winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all of us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss."
Career Highlights
Cook joined ITV in 1985, and his eponymous show The Cook Report ran for 16 series and over 120 episodes. He pursued criminals, con-men, and corrupt officials, making it the most popular current affairs programme on television at the time, with audiences of up to 10 million.
The programme exposed child pornography, Northern Ireland protection rackets, baby trading in Brazil, and the illicit ivory trade. Cook also investigated illegal immigration, war criminals in Bosnia, those behind 9/11 and other terrorist plots, and the Russian black market in weapons-grade plutonium.
Several of his programmes led to successful police prosecutions or major changes in the law.
Recognition and Legacy
New Zealand-born Cook was injured many times during his investigations. ITV said: "In a career spanning an incredible five decades, Roger Cook's ground-breaking approach to investigative journalism made him one of broadcasting's most trusted and respected figures. On his eponymous current affairs programme, The Cook Report, Roger worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping to drive important and lasting changes in the law. His fearless contribution to journalism will long be remembered."
Cook began his journalism career in Australia before moving to London in 1968 to join BBC Radio 4's The World At One. He later created and presented Checkpoint on BBC Radio 4 from 1973 to 1985, which had a similar format to his ITV show. The Cook Report ran for 12 years, earning Cook a BAFTA Television Special Award in 1998.
In 2007, he revisited his most famous stings in a 90-minute special titled Roger Cook's Greatest Hits, where he admitted receiving death threats due to the series. Known for his confrontational, doorstepping style, he was parodied by comedians such as Reeves and Mortimer and Stephen Fry.
