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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)
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