Letter from America: End of an era?

Alistair Cooke is set to retire after 58 years as presenter of the world's longest running speech radio programme, Letter From America.

The veteran broadcaster was born in Salford in 1908 and joined the BBC in 1934 as a film critic.

As well as Letter From America, he has also taken part in a wide range of television programmes including Alistair Cooke's America.

He now lives with his second wife Jane White in New York.

Send us your memories of Letter From America.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

Alistair Cooke must be one of the greatest broadcasting journalists ever. He remains able to provide insight and opinion without ever sounding opinionated or biased. In fact, having listened to Mr Cooke for the best part of 30 years, I still couldn't tell you whether he was a Republican or a Democrat, right wing or left wing. But I could vouch that he is a very wise and gentle man.
Stephen Anderson, London

As a child of five or six, I had no appreciation of the content of Mr Cooke's monologues but there was something about that voice! Caroline Admans, Canada

I grew up in England and one of my earliest memories was going downstairs to say goodnight to my Grandparents and listening to Letter From America on their very old radio. As a child of five or six, I had no appreciation of the content of Mr Cooke's monologues but there was something about that voice! I would sit very still, listening intently to a voice that drew you in. I did not return to listening to Mr Cooke until I was very much older but once again I was drawn in to what he had to say, this time by the observant content as much as the quality of his voice.
Caroline Admans, Canada

Thanks for the memories. I remember one Letter from America I listened to, in October or November of 1964 in my flat in Kidderpore Gardens, London - I thought to myself "there is at least one sane voice in this world". Thanks for that and many more reassurances through my life.
Nancy Brown Supler, Bristow, Virginia, USA

I note bitterly that he even outlasted my own radio career! Nick, Hungary

I can't remember not listening to Alastair Cooke on a Sunday morning. To my shame, in my twenties, I became a bit cynical about his slow delivery. Then I became a radio presenter myself (in Hungary) and quickly learned that it takes tremendous technique to be able to hold an audience's attention for fifteen minutes without making any apparent effort. Until you have worked in radio, you don't realise just what a superb professional Alastair Cooke. I note bitterly that he even outlasted my own radio career!
Nick, Hungary

I always found Alistair's letters provided better insight into my country than anything that appeared in the American media. I also used his America series in my high school history classes for many years. His wisdom and grace will be sorely missed.
Robert Schoone-Jongen, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

As a student of journalism, Alistair Cooke became one of my reading and listening staples, something I could not do without. Quite simply unmatched in his observation of life on the other side of the Atlantic, his 'Letter From America' represents one of journalism's greatest 20th century achievements. A great journalist, a lovely turn of phrase and a style indicative of one worthy to be labelled one of life's greatest commentators, I shall miss his letter. But how richly deserved a retirement, one which I hope shall be a long and happy one.
Dermot Keyes , Waterford, Ireland

Alistair Cooke was the last master of the old school journalists Justin Seymour, Atlanta, USA

Alistair Cooke was the last master of the old school journalists. His measured voice was always reassuring. Reminding me in tone, thought, and manner of my late grandfather. As an American working overseas, Cooke could be counted on to sum up and explain the often bizarre current events taking place stateside - with clarity, historical perspective, and ever present subtle sense of humour. His program was a great resource for me trying to translate to my international counterparts peculiar US policy and habits. No doubt he long ago earned a good retirement. But is there anyway we can get him to change his mind for just a little longer?
Justin Seymour, Atlanta, Georgia USA

My father died in 1993 and I remember as a child for 15 mins every Sunday our house would go quiet as he listened to Alistair. The house would become noisy afterwards. I've missed that link with Alistair and my dad.
Zita, London

My words will spoil what is supposed to be a great tribute to a classic journalist. God bless you Alistair. I will truly miss your voice
Sidanile Moyo, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Today is to me a vary sad occasion. I have had the pleasure of listening to "Letter from America" all round the world. I have worked in and/or visited 84 countries and on all my assignments I never missed a broadcast. Now in my retirement my Wife and I Breakfast with Alistair every Sunday morning. It is always "Orange Juice & Alistair" in the Conservatory and even the birds were not allowed to interrupt. Next Sunday my Wife and I will raise a glass to Alistair and salute and thank the very best broadcaster the world has yet enjoyed. With our profound thanks and appreciation and our very best wishes to your wife and yourself.
Nuala & Peter Dunne, Solihull, West Midlands, UK.

I hope the BBC makes the programmes available on the internet for posterity Peter Wanyonyi, Nairobi, Kenya

When I was in secondary school, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation had a radio English language programme. They introduced me to the Letter from America, and I have been a regular listener since. You cannot imagine the sadness I feel to hear the programme will be off-air. I hope the BBC makes the programmes available on the internet for posterity. Mr. Cooke's programme was a defining identifier of the 20th century and will be sadly missed.
Peter Wanyonyi, Nairobi, Kenya

Part of my life since childhood - his perspective and analysis are incomparable. He has provided a weekly reminder that there is nothing new in history. He is perhaps America's greatest Ambassador - clearly explaining their culture and views to a (sometimes rightly) sceptical world. He set major and minor events in context and provided illumination. We will all be less well informed and stimulated without his analysis.
Tony Odams de Zylva, London UK

Alistair Cooke is the voice of intelligent insightful broadcasting, whose thoughtful tone and pace has made me listen attentively for decades. I have been an avid BBC radio listener for the past 25 years (I am now 30) - he has always been and remains my favourite presenter and I hope he will re-consider retirement. If he does insist however, I wish him many happy hours on his beloved golf course. Thank you Alistair.
Debbie Carmody, Princeton, USA

Finally got to see his face. My thanks to Alistair for many an interesting programme. Could anyone fill his shoes? Maybe but somehow I doubt it. All the best Alistair.
Mike, Israel

I have listened to Letter From America since I was 9 years old Ben Lovejoy, London

I have listened to Letter From America since I was 9 years old; I am now 41. Mr Cooke represented the very best of broadcast journalism. His Letter will be sadly missed, and I very much hope that Radio 4 will rebroadcast the entire series from day one. I suspect we will find them as insightful today as on the day they were written.
Ben Lovejoy, London

His Letter from America is a great institution which I hope will be continued by someone else. What he's done is give us all an insight into American life which not even a short visit to that country could give. It's the extraordinary, often obscure, facts he uncovers which portray America and Americans in a way which help us better understand that country and its people. The Letter has helped debunk many of the popular myths about America but, most of all, it gives us the ability to see beyond the hype of the media image and into the heart of the real America: a facility we need even more now in these troubled times as much as we have in past times of conflict.
JohnM, LyneMeads, UK

I first listened to "Letter From America" when, as an American officer, I was stationed in Turkey in 1981. No matter where I lived in the world since then, I've listened to him religiously. He helped me, an American, to view my nation's culture and politics more dispassionately, yet his obvious affection for the country kept him from joining in "America bashing" that is popular with some. Alistair Cooke reported on America more clearly than any American I've listened to. Mr. Cooke, we'll miss you, but will always honour you.
Fred Dinsmore, Boston, US

It has been a joy to listen Carl Cape, Brussels, Belgium

His Letter from America shortly after the events of 9/11 was one of the most electric and emotive pieces of radio I have ever heard; Alistair dared to say the almost unspeakable. He has delivered insights into American culture and politics with incredible knowledge, intelligence and warmth. It has been a joy to listen.
Carl Cape, Brussels, Belgium

I got a little worried when Mr. Cooke's last letter was rebroadcast last weekend. Little did I know that retirement was this near! But at 95, I can only say "Bravo!" to the gentleman I've listened to every single weekend of the last three years. A living encyclopaedia has decided he needs some rest, something he truly deserves.
Charles-Martin Jjuuko, Kampala, Uganda

"Sic transit...". One of the great news historians, and there will likely never be another. I remember Alistair Cooke from his TV show "Omnibus", when I was a pre-schooler in the early 1950's in the US, and in all these years, there have been only a handful like him, with the gifts of insight into world events, to see them clearly in their historical and social context, and the artistry explain them so clearly and eloquently. Thank you, Alistair Cooke.
Alan Epstein, Essex Junction, Vermont USA

Mr. Cooke's 'Letter From America', which I have only recently discovered (the BBC now being broadcast on our own PBS of late), have been an unmitigated source of listening pleasure. I also grew up with Mr. Cooke's narration of 'Masterpiece Theatre', which I watched as a child with my parents and introduced me to many classic works of English literature. I will sorely miss him!
Michael Cooperman, Philadelphia, USA

I set my alarm for you Jack de Jonge, Solihull

How do I now wake up on Sunday morning? I set my alarm for you. I listened to you since the mid eighties in 4 different countries. Enjoy your retirement. Radio won't be the same.
Jack de Jonge, Solihull

I've been a fan of yours for many years. Thanks for the memories Sir. Enjoy your retirement - you are the best.
Hugh Coleman, Mid West City, Oklahoma

I started listening to letter from America a couple of yours ago and got hooked to it instantly. I wish that BBC will continue to broadcast repeats of the programme as was done last week. It is very educative and gives a lot of insight into all aspects of America. I will never tire of listening to it.
Mike Dzakuma, Dakar, Senegal

My father listened to Letter from America, so did I.. I would have wished my daughters to be exposed to such a comfortable voice on radio, a refreshing perspective, a sharp observer such as Cooke's. Will be missed.
Paul Haidostian, Beirut, Lebanon

Alistair Cook's intelligent and quick wit aptly summarized current global issues that always gave me hope for another day Pamela Sabina, Kampala

As an African female medical doctor working in mayhem of numerous remote stations away from my home country amidst cultures alien to me, Alistair Cook's intelligent and quick wit aptly summarized current global issues that always gave me hope for another day. I am grateful for what I have learnt from him over the years, and the hope he leaves with me to live in this century. God speed Mr. Cook. God speed.
Pamela Sabina, Kampala, Uganda

During the 15 odd years that I have been a journalist, I have been a fan off the grand old man of radio. Though occasionally his position on certain issues could be described as somewhat dubious, Alistair Cooke was truly a product of his age and there will never be another quite like him.
Mwangi , Nairobi, Kenya

Alistair Cooke is probably one of the best broadcasters the English speaking world has ever known. His "Letter from America" never fails to be interesting, insightful and thought provoking. He manages to get under the skin of his adopted country and dig further and deeper into US current affairs than the vast majority of other commentators, while retaining his perspective as a foreigner (a Brit in America albeit for decades). He will be sorely missed by many, myself included.
Rebecca Taylor, Brussels, Belgium

A giant strides from our midst into history.
Drew Hammond, Los Angeles, USA

He has remained a pleasure to read, see and listen to over the years Eric Thorp, Westford, MA USA

As a boy growing up in America during the 1950's and 1960's, Alistair Cooke's television reporting (the "Omnibus" in particular), his columns and commentary were my first source of perspective on the US. He has remained a pleasure to read, see and listen to over the years. I will miss his presence.
Eric Thorp, Westford, MA USA

Thanks God for that. His world view is very, very limited, too pro American. I felt that he was not capable of presenting an objective view.
Felicia, Hamburg

Friday nights just won't be the same! I'd like the BBC to re-run ALL the letters they have!
Nick Todd, Folkestone, UK

Waking up on Sunday mornings just will not be the same without Alistair's thought provoking look at America, life, and the wider world at large. Deeply saddened at his departure. I will treasure his broadcasting gems.
Jim Mourilyan, Richmond, UK

Cooke's genius was as a story teller. The careful construction of his best letters wove complicated, multi-stranded narratives towards a uniquely satisfying conclusion, this skill made him unique.
Nick, Cambridge, England

One of the main aids to being happy whilst working abroad has been the sounds of the BBC World Service. Alistair Cooke's voice was the voice or reason and the voice of clarity. All ex-pats will miss him greatly.
Nick Crabtree, Cairo, Egypt

Happy retirement Alistair Frances Becker, Kibutz Yasur, Israel

I loved listening to Letter from America in England and carried on listening faithfully in Israel where I have lived for the last34 years. Happy retirement Alistair
Frances Becker, kibutz Yasur, Israel

Please assemble all his Letters into a single book and sell it. The proceeds can be used to establish an award/prize to be given yearly on think-tank individuals or organisations promoting justice.
Peter CW Chacha, Dar es salaam Tanzania

This certainly is the end of an era. My (American) partner and I have listened avidly to Alistair's wise words since 1986, when we came to Britain after meeting in the USA. It has been one of the things that we share, but relate to differently because of our different backgrounds. Alistair's insightful commentary and his unique perspective is going to be sorely missed.
Stuart Bristow, Chorleywood, England

Whilst I wish Mr Cooke well I think the programme had outlived its purpose. We hear so much about America across the media that the need for these insights no longer exists. I hope that the BBC will take the opportunity to give us letters from other places that we know less about to widen our understanding of other perspectives on the world.
Baz Treager, Derbyshire, UK

Ever since my childhood, Alistair Cooke has always been on in the background, while eating breakfast on Sundays. Sunday mornings just won't be the same without him.
Tim L., Aylesbury, Bucks.

Radio journalism at its very best Tony Clegg-Butt, Nairobi, Kenya

Letter from America always gave an unbiased insight into how the Americans see the rest of the world and at times themselves. Radio journalism at its very best.
Tony Clegg-Butt, Nairobi, Kenya

End of an era? Of course it is! Alistair must be nearly 96! What a legend. To still be of sharp and perceptive a mind, and interesting to many round the world, is a truly great achievement. I hope he can still manage a few more Letters from America, maybe once every few months?
Nick Barrable, Stockholm, Sweden

I remember listening to LTA every Sunday morning - my mother would have it on the radio while she was getting the breakfast ready. Treasure the archive of his broadcasts - it is an irreplaceable record of the changing scene in the USA.
Bill Young, Coventry, UK

Alistair Cooke's Letters from America are like hearing from an old friend. His observations and breadth of knowledge, due to his long career, has imbued his Letters with depth, sincerity and wit. His outlook on American life and politics will be sorely missed.
T. Forrest, London, UK

His observations on American life are the most clear of anyone I've ever met Dave Keighley, Hove, England

I've been listening to Alistair all my life. His letters are the reason I visited the US as a teenager and the US is now part of my life as I run a US owned company here in the UK. His observations on American life are the most clear of anyone I've ever met. I will miss his distinctive voice and his uncanny way of putting history and the current events into perspective. God Bless Alistair.
Dave Keighley, Hove, England

I am already having nostalgia about Alistair Cooke's Letter From America. It has been one of my longest listened to programmes on BBC World Service, besides the breakfast show to Africa, Network Africa.
S. Siamai Kromah, Monrovia, Liberia

Mr Cooke's Letter From America will be missed by our household. Always a joy to hear. But we have wonderful memories of Alistair Cooke from our early married life, when he used to present a weekly Sunday programme of marvellous British series on America's PBS television, which we almost NEVER missed in our home in Vancouver, Canada. Still see a wingback chair and remember his wonderful talks. He is an elegant man with a keen and honest eye for observation and description. We hope he enjoys his retirement and want to thank him for years of pleasure.
Sharon, Voorschoten, The Netherlands

His Letter From America has filled 15 minutes of my weekends for so long. It is a tribute to him that I will now be lost for what to do. It will be like a general election without a Dimbleby.
Howard, Australia

Always clear, insightful and frequently with a great sense of humour Ray Papenfuss, Notre Dame, IN, USA

I spent 28 years in Ghana, West Africa. The BBC was my radio station of choice and one of my all time favourites was Alistair Cooke. Always clear, insightful and frequently with a great sense of humour, he was always a welcomed breath of fresh air. I am grateful for all that he gave and I wish him well.
Ray Papenfuss, Notre Dame, IN, USA

Letter From America gives me great joy. There are so many memories. He inspired me to travel and see the New World. Thank you Mr Cooke for your silken voice and your craftsman's way with our glorious language!
Hector McTavish, Edinburgh, Scotland

A sad day! But many thanks. We shall all miss you.
Ron Holt, Hong Kong

Thank you for the most wonderfully articulate, interesting and enjoyable letters.
Tony Hofmeyr, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Alistair Cooke is the greatest broadcaster I've heard. His breadth of knowledge is unparalleled, and his ability to frame events in their historical context is unsurpassed. He will be sorely missed. I hope he has a long and enjoyable retirement.
G Webb, Hampshire, UK

The epitome of graceful and intelligent broadcasting. Grateful thanks.
Kevin Keane, Singapore

I am sure I speak for many hundreds of thousands who, for (my part) the last 30+ years have enjoyed the insightful and entertaining comments of a broadcasting icon of the 20th century. Best wishes in your retirement - the BBC and its listeners will be the lesser informed for your departure.
Peter Francis, Hong Kong

I first heard Alistair Cooke on the BBC more than 50 years ago, so his voice on the radio - wireless as we called it then - is one of my earliest memories. He brought warmth, wit and wisdom into our lives. It is not widely known that he was also a talented blues and boogie woogie pianist, and recorded a 45 rpm record of that music which I kept for years, eventually losing it during a move. He has always represented to me what is best about the BBC.
Reg Potterton, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA

As a boy growing up in Spain this was 'mandatory' listening for our family. So end of an era indeed! Thank you for the memories!
Andrew van Heiningen, London, England