Roger Cook, Investigative Journalist Behind Doorstep Interviews, Dies After Short Illness

Roger Cook, Investigative Journalist Behind Doorstep Interviews, Dies After Short Illness

Award-winning journalist Roger Cook, whose investigations exposed crime and wrongdoing, has died after a short illness.

Roger Cook, the journalist known for bringing a more direct style of investigative reporting to television, has died following a short illness, his family has confirmed.

The veteran broadcaster built a reputation for pursuing difficult stories and confronting people accused of wrongdoing during investigations that spanned several decades. His death was announced by his family, who described him as a beloved husband and father and requested privacy.

Cook rose to prominence through The Cook Report, a long-running ITV programme that became one of the most watched investigative shows on British television. At its height, the programme attracted millions of viewers and earned widespread recognition for its reporting.

In a statement, ITV praised Cook’s contribution to journalism, saying his work helped uncover criminal activity and cases of injustice. The broadcaster said his reporting had a lasting impact and influenced changes beyond the television screen.

Throughout his career, Cook reported on issues ranging from organised crime and child exploitation to illegal trading networks and international conflicts. His investigations took him across different countries and often placed him in risky situations.

One of the features most closely linked to Cook was the doorstep interview, a reporting technique that involved approaching people directly with allegations raised during investigations. The method later became a familiar part of television journalism.

Before becoming a television star, Cook worked in radio, including on current affairs programmes for the BBC. His career later expanded into a series of high-profile investigations that established him as one of Britain’s most recognised reporters.

His work earned industry recognition, including a special Bafta honour celebrating his contribution to investigative journalism. Away from television, he also wrote several books, among them his autobiography, Dangerous Ground.

Cook’s reporting style influenced a generation of journalists and remained a defining part of investigative broadcasting long after his programmes left the air.