Alistair Cooke: The man remembered

In 1973, Alistair Cooke was awarded an honorary knighthood

Alistair Cooke began his weekly talk programme more than 50 years ago. It was broadcast almost every week.

Born in the back streets of Salford in 1908, he was christened plain Alfred and was brought up in a Blackpool boarding house.

Modest origins

But it wasn't long before he broke free from these modest origins.

He swept through Cambridge, gaining an honours degree in English, changed his first name to Alistair and joined the BBC in 1934 as a film critic.

He was the America correspondent for the Manchester Guardian and presented the BBC's Letter from America since March 1946.

The programme was first aired on BBC Radio 4 each Friday evening and then repeated on the World Service. It was heard by millions of listeners across the world.

Honorary knighthood

Alistair had also taken part in a wide range of television programmes but is perhaps best known for Alistair Cooke's America, a BBC-series which was aired around the world.

He had also hosted Masterpiece Theatre in the United States for 22 years and had written many books.

Alistair Cooke has spent over 50 years reporting on American affairs

In 1973, Alistair was awarded an honorary knighthood and in 1974 addressed the United States Congress on its 200th anniversary.

He had received an award from BAFTA for his contribution to Anglo American relations and a Sony Radio Award for his services to broadcasting.

He had also been the Broadcasting Press Guild's Radio Broadcaster of the Year and the Voice of the Listener and the Viewer has recognised his Outstanding Contribution to radio.

He lived in New York with his second wife. He had two children.