Roger Cook, the British broadcast journalist credited with creating the ‘doorstep’ interview technique, has died aged 83.

The trailblazing investigative reporter passed away after a short illness, his family confirmed. “Alongside a distinguished and award winning career in journalism, Roger was first and foremost a beloved husband and father,” the statement read. “He will be deeply missed by all of us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss.”

Cook was known for his ITV show, The Cook Report, which ran on ITV between 1987 and 1999. Cook was given a BAFTA special award for “25 years of outstanding quality investigative reporting,” primarily due to its influence.

The show, which attracted peak audiences of 12 million, saw Cook, a fearless reporter with an unflappable on-screen style, led the program, reporting on cases of injustice, corruption, criminality, corporate incompetence and government policy failure. His hunt for justice would often put him in peril, and he was attacked more than once, while police also noted a hitman was once hired on him.

His doorstep interview ambush was particularly dramatic. It would see Cook and his TV crew would arrive at the home or workplace of an intended interview subject without prior warning and fire questions at them, usually as they attempted to get away. The technique is now an essential part of investigative reporters’ arsenals, but first use is usually attributed to Cook, originally in his radio show Checkpoint.

Cook admitted to hating the doorstep, but felt it was essential to expose wrongdoing.

“In a career spanning an incredible five decades, Roger Cook’s groundbreaking approach to investigative journalism made him one of broadcasting’s most trusted and respected figures,” ITV wrote in a statement.

“On his eponymous current affairs programme, The Cook Report, Roger worked tirelessly to expose criminal wrongdoing and injustice, helping to drive important and lasting changes in the law. His fearless contribution to journalism will long be remembered, and we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time.”

Cook was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, he emigrated to the UK in the late 1960s, and went on to work for BBC Radio programs The World At One, PM, Checkpoint and The World This Weekend before fronting to sixteen seasons of The Cook Report on ITV.