Menu
30/03/2004
Letter From America's Alastair Cooke dies aged 95
Veteran BBC broadcaster Alistair Cooke, whose 'Letter From America' ran for more than 50 years, has died today at his New York home.
Alistair Cooke was 95 and filed his final letter only last month. He had announced his decision to retire a month ago following doctor's advice.
Radio 4's 'Letter From America', Mr Cooke's regular despatch from the US, started in 1946 and ran every week thereafter for 2,869 shows – making it the longest running radio programme in the world.
The letters had a worldwide audience as they broadcast on BBC World Service as well as domestic radio.
Alistair Cooke summed up his own feelings about Letter from America in 1990: "No pleasure in work well done, in a lifetime of journalism, can compare with the evidence that comes in from the mail that you have done a talk that touched the hearts and minds of a bus driver in Dorset, a judge in Canberra, a student in Bombay, a housewife in Yorkshire, a space scientist in Sri Lanka, a high school teacher in Beijing or a nurse in Libya."
Today the BBC paid tribute to Alistair Cooke, as one of its "most enduring, distinctive and well-loved broadcasters".
Mark Byford, Acting Director-General, said: "Alistair Cooke was one of the greatest broadcasters ever in the history of the BBC - an outstanding commentator of the 20th Century.
"His insight, wisdom and unique ability to craft words enabled millions of listeners in the UK and around the world to understand the texture of the United States and its people. All of us at the BBC are saddened today."
Jenny Abramsky, Director of BBC Radio, said: "With his superb voice and masterly turn of phrase, Alistair Cooke, was the most brilliant radio chronicler of his age.
"His contribution to BBC Radio over decades was unmatched. Above all, his relationship with his listeners was unique.
"BBC Radio is grateful for the decades of contributions from Alistair Cooke and we will miss him greatly."
Richard Sambrook, Director of BBC News, said that Mr Cooke's intelligence, shrewd judgment and elegance of writing would be missed by everyone.
(gmcg)
Alistair Cooke was 95 and filed his final letter only last month. He had announced his decision to retire a month ago following doctor's advice.
Radio 4's 'Letter From America', Mr Cooke's regular despatch from the US, started in 1946 and ran every week thereafter for 2,869 shows – making it the longest running radio programme in the world.
The letters had a worldwide audience as they broadcast on BBC World Service as well as domestic radio.
Alistair Cooke summed up his own feelings about Letter from America in 1990: "No pleasure in work well done, in a lifetime of journalism, can compare with the evidence that comes in from the mail that you have done a talk that touched the hearts and minds of a bus driver in Dorset, a judge in Canberra, a student in Bombay, a housewife in Yorkshire, a space scientist in Sri Lanka, a high school teacher in Beijing or a nurse in Libya."
Today the BBC paid tribute to Alistair Cooke, as one of its "most enduring, distinctive and well-loved broadcasters".
Mark Byford, Acting Director-General, said: "Alistair Cooke was one of the greatest broadcasters ever in the history of the BBC - an outstanding commentator of the 20th Century.
"His insight, wisdom and unique ability to craft words enabled millions of listeners in the UK and around the world to understand the texture of the United States and its people. All of us at the BBC are saddened today."
Jenny Abramsky, Director of BBC Radio, said: "With his superb voice and masterly turn of phrase, Alistair Cooke, was the most brilliant radio chronicler of his age.
"His contribution to BBC Radio over decades was unmatched. Above all, his relationship with his listeners was unique.
"BBC Radio is grateful for the decades of contributions from Alistair Cooke and we will miss him greatly."
Richard Sambrook, Director of BBC News, said that Mr Cooke's intelligence, shrewd judgment and elegance of writing would be missed by everyone.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2004
Letter from America's Alistair Cooke retires
Alistair Cooke, one of the world's greatest broadcasters, has decided to retire from Radio 4's Letter from America, on doctor's advice, at the age of 95. Mr Cooke began the first of his 2,869 letters in 1946, making the regular radio spot the world's longest continuously running programme.
Letter from America's Alistair Cooke retires
Alistair Cooke, one of the world's greatest broadcasters, has decided to retire from Radio 4's Letter from America, on doctor's advice, at the age of 95. Mr Cooke began the first of his 2,869 letters in 1946, making the regular radio spot the world's longest continuously running programme.
09 February 2011
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
22 July 2004
BBC's Richard Sambrook takes up new post
Richard Sambrook, the man who headed BBC news when Andrew Gilligan broadcast his now notorious report claiming the government probably knew its '45-minute claim' over Iraq's WMDs was wrong, has moved to a new post.
BBC's Richard Sambrook takes up new post
Richard Sambrook, the man who headed BBC news when Andrew Gilligan broadcast his now notorious report claiming the government probably knew its '45-minute claim' over Iraq's WMDs was wrong, has moved to a new post.
27 November 2003
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
29 April 2004
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
