Roger Cook passes away at 83: Award-winning investigative journalist who pioneered TV doorstep interview

Veteran investigative journalist Roger Cook took his last breath on Monday, June 15 at the age of 83.

The announcement of the death of an award-winning journalist came from his family. As per family sources, Cook was battling with a short illness.

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"Alongside a distinguished and award winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father," their statement read.

"He will be deeply missed by all of us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss."

With his demise, Roger Cook has left behind an impressive legacy of fearless investigative journalism. He won a Bafta special award in 1997 for “25 years of outstanding quality investigative reporting” for ITV, which broadcast The Cook Report in the 1980s and 1990s.

Cook was also known for pioneering the TV doorstep interview technique, which would later become an essential element of on-screen news reporting.

In this revolutionized technique, Cook took the camera directly to the subjects, confronting con men, corrupt officials and criminals face-to-face on their doorsteps.

Cook also joined ITV in 1985 and started his eponymous current affairs program in 1987. Soon, the show rose to fame, becoming the most-watched and amassing up to 10M views over 16 series.

ITV also paid tribute to the legendary journalist, admiring in these words, citing “ Cook's ground-breaking approach to investigative journalism" which, it said, “made him one of broadcasting's most trusted and respected figures.”

Cook’s courageous reporting covered heavy domestic and global issues, including trafficking, illicit ivory trade, the Russian black market for weapons-grade plutonium, war criminals and child pornography rings. Most of his investigative reports led to police arrests and changes in law.

“His fearless contribution to journalism will long be remembered, and we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time,” ITV said.