Veteran BBC broadcaster Alistair Cooke, whose Letter From America
ran for more than 50 years, has died today at his New York home.
He was 95 and filed his final letter only last month.
Letter From America was Alistair Cooke's informed and engaging despatch
from the United States. It started in 1946 and ran every week thereafter
for more than 2,500 shows, making it the longest running radio programme
in the world.
Today the BBC paid tribute to Alistair Cooke, 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."
Helen Boaden, Controller of BBC Radio 4, said: "Millions of listeners
over many years have enjoyed Alastair Cooke's Letters from America.
"Many of us charted our lives through them. He was wry, wise and
always insightful. We shall miss him very much."
Richard Sambrook, Director of BBC News, said: "Alistair Cooke
was a wonderful broadcaster combining intelligence, shrewd judgement
about the affairs of the world and elegance in his writing.
"For generations of listeners he was a bridge across the Atlantic.
We'll all miss him."
Nigel Chapman, Acting Director, BBC World Service, said: "The
millions of World Service listeners around the globe will be saddened
by the death of Alistair Cooke.
"His weekly broadcasts from America always cast a penetrating
light on the many faces of the world's leading superpower.
"Hearing recent letters from the archive reminded me of his unique
skill as a chronicler of American life; its many shades and its wonderful
characters.
"Always shrewdly observed and so elegantly written and delivered,
his broadcasts have been a constant jewel in the World Service crown.
"We and our listeners will miss him hugely."
A 30-minute obituary can be heard today (Tuesday 30 March) on the BBC
World Service in the UK at 11.30am and 10.30pm.
His family informed the BBC of his death.
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