Award-Winning Investigative Journalist Roger Cook Dies at Age 83

Roger Cook, the formidable investigative journalist who transformed British television with his confrontational "doorstep" interview technique, has died at the age of 83. Known for his fearless approach to exposing injustice and criminal activity, Cook passed away peacefully following a brief illness. His career, which spanned several decades, reached its zenith with the long-running ITV series The Cook Report, where he became a household name for his relentless pursuit of wrongdoers across the globe.

Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Cook relocated to the United Kingdom in the late 1960s, quickly establishing himself as a significant force in broadcast journalism. He is best remembered for The Cook Report, which aired from 1987 to 1999 and earned him a prestigious BAFTA special award. His signature style involved surprising suspects at their homes or offices—often capturing their shock on camera—as he demanded accountability for various social ills, including child abuse, illegal immigration, and corporate fraud. This bold reporting was not without personal risk; Cook often faced physical threats and injury during his investigations, a testament to his dedication to uncovering the truth.

Beyond his television work, Cook was a prolific figure whose influence extended into literature and popular culture. He authored an autobiography titled Dangerous Ground, which detailed the high-stakes nature of his investigative work. His larger-than-life persona and distinctive reporting style made him a favorite subject for comedians, who frequently parodied his intense "doorstep" encounters. ITV, the network that hosted his most famous work, paid tribute to his legacy, noting his unparalleled contribution to investigative reporting and his role in exposing global injustices. As his family requests privacy during this time of mourning, the journalism community remembers Roger Cook as a pioneer who set a lasting standard for modern investigative techniques.