A legendary broadcaster, whose warm voice and reassuring presence defined an era of Australian television news, has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93.
He became as familiar as family to millions of viewers over nearly five decades on air, passed away on September 16, just two days before what would have been his 45th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Claire.
For generations of Australians, Climpson wasn't just the man who read the news—he was the trusted friend who joined them at dinnertime, the reassuring voice during times of crisis, and the warm presence who tucked the nation into bed each night with his trademark wink and beaming smile.
The Early Years: From England to Australia
Born in Peterborough, England, in 1931, Roger Climpson originally dreamed of becoming a pilot in the Royal Air Force. However, a rugby accident at age 14 that punctured his lung changed the course of his life—and inadvertently set him on a path that would make him one of Australia's most beloved broadcasters.
After turning to acting and performance instead, Climpson migrated to Australia in 1949. Three years later, at a Christmas party, he met Claire, who would become his wife of 45 years. Together they raised three children: Stephen, Sally, and Amanda.
'He had such a distinguished voice and oozed credibility when delivering the news'
Pioneering Australian Television
Climpson was part of the first generation of Australian television talent, joining Channel Nine in 1956 as an announcer, weatherman, and newsreader. He got the job after asking his friend Brian Henderson to have a word with the head of the network, Bruce Gyngell.
During his tenure at Nine, he fronted programs including Rendezvous with Roger and The House and Garden Show. But it was a fateful decision by Nine's chairman that would change the course of Australian television history.
The Five-Pound Decision That Changed Everything
In 1965, Roger left Channel Nine after chairman Sir Frank Packer refused to grant him a five-pound pay rise
He briefly returned to work at his father's butcher shop
This led to him joining Channel Seven, where he would become a defining presence for decades
The Golden Years at Channel Seven
After joining Channel Seven in 1965, Climpson became a defining presence on Sydney news bulletins for the next 15 years. His authoritative yet warm delivery style set the standard for television news presentation in Australia.
In 1977, while continuing his newsreading duties, he began hosting the local version of This Is Your Life, taking over from Digby Wolfe. The show became a cultural phenomenon, at one time becoming Australia's highest-rated television program.
Roger Climpson's Career Milestones
- 1956: Joined Channel Nine as announcer, weatherman and newsreader
- 1965: Left Nine over pay dispute, joined Channel Seven
- 1977-1980: Hosted This Is Your Life, Australia's highest-rating show
- 1989-1994: Returned as Seven News Sydney anchor
- 1997-1999: Hosted Australia's Most Wanted
- 2004: Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia
It was during his newsreading years that Roger developed the trademark that would make him beloved to generations of viewers. 7NEWS Sydney News Director Geoff Dunn recalled 'the trademark wink and beaming smile that became part of Roger's nightly sign-off: 'For our viewers, he also felt like a friend.''
Beyond the News Desk
A brief retirement in 1982 gave way to his return in 1989 as anchor of Seven News Sydney, a role he held until a prostate cancer diagnosis in 1994 prompted him to step aside.
Even then, his broadcasting career wasn't over—he went on to host the true crime reenactment series Australia's Most Wanted from 1997 to 1999.
What many viewers didn't know was Roger's deep commitment to his faith and community service.
His strong Christian faith saw him Chair the Board of the Christian Broadcasting Association (now Hope Media) from 1995 to 2005, steadfastly serving the Sydney listening community for two decades.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Roger Climpson's career spanned the entire golden age of Australian television, from its commercial launch in 1956 until the late 1990s. He worked alongside other broadcasting legends like Brian Henderson and was part of the generation that established the trusted, authoritative style of Australian news presentation that influenced decades of broadcasters who followed.
Recognition and Awards
In 2004, Climpson was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day for 'his services to the media, particularly through the Christian Broadcasting Association and to the community through a range of service groups.'
This added to a long list of awards as a beloved newsreader, for his TV work, for various charity, rotary and community projects, and, in 2014, a Christian Media Australia Lifetime Achievement Award for his selfless contribution to the industry.
Tributes Pour In
The tributes that have poured in since Roger's passing speak to something deeper than professional respect—they reveal genuine affection from colleagues and viewers alike.
7NEWS Sydney co-anchor Mark Ferguson said: 'Like so many families we watched Roger most nights for many years. As a teenager in Tamworth, he helped me open a window to a wider world.
For a nervous country kid, Roger was very warm and very welcoming. Behind the desk he was all class—informed and engaging, with a voice that made you sit up and listen.'
'Roger was the trusted face of 7NEWS, defining a golden era of broadcast television and playing a central role in how we stayed informed'
Ann Sanders, host of Seven's Afternoon News in Sydney and Climpson's successor, remembered him as 'a highly respected newsreader with great presence and reach to the television audience who adored him' and 'an absolute gentleman on and off camera—warm, quick witted and kind.'
A Legacy That Endures
Roger's death comes at a time when many Australians are reflecting on how much television news has changed. Social media tributes have noted the contrast between his era—when 'news only went for 30 minutes once or twice a day' - and today's 24-hour news cycle.
Hope Media CEO Phillip Randall captured the essence of Climpson's contribution: 'Roger left a legacy of love, faith and vision' - words that could just as easily apply to his entire broadcasting career.
Example Scenario
- Roger's famous five-pound pay rise dispute with Sir Frank Packer changed the landscape of Australian television, bringing one of the medium's greatest talents to Channel Seven
- His work on This Is Your Life created countless emotional moments as celebrities were surprised with tributes from friends and family
- His presentation of Australia's Most Wanted helped solve crimes and brought closure to families across the nation
What This Means For You
The man who once dreamed of flying for the Royal Air Force instead soared across Australian airwaves, becoming a reassuring constant in living rooms from Sydney to the smallest country towns.
His legacy isn't just in the awards he won or the shows he hosted, but in the trust he built with viewers who considered him not just a newsreader, but a friend.
As we remember Roger Climpson, we're not just mourning the loss of a broadcaster—we're saying goodbye to a piece of Australian television history, to an era when the news was delivered by someone who felt like family.
Did you have memories of watching Roger Climpson during his heyday? Whether it was his newsreading, This Is Your Life, or Australia's Most Wanted, we'd love to hear your thoughts about this broadcasting legend in the comments below.
Credit: YouTube
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowb...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Veteran newsreader and radio host Roger Climpson OAM has died
Cited text: On 16 September 2025, the eve of his 45th wedding anniversary, veteran newsreader Roger Climpson OAM passed away.
Excerpt: On 16 September 2025, the eve of his 45th wedding anniversary, veteran newsreader Roger Climpson OAM passed away
https://www.womensweekly.com.au/news/roger-climpson-death/
Veteran newsreader and radio host Roger Climpson OAM has died
Cited text: ... Born 18 October 1932, he was also just a month shy of his 93rd birthday.
Excerpt: just a month shy of his 93rd birthday
https://www.womensweekly.com.au/news/roger-climpson-death/
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Born in Peterborough, England, in 1931, Climpson originally hoped to become a pilot in the Royal Air Force, a plan cut short after a rugby accident at...
Excerpt: Born in Peterborough, England, in 1931, Climpson originally hoped to become a pilot in the Royal Air Force, a plan cut short after a rugby accident at age 14 punctured his lung
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: He turned instead to acting and performance, later migrating to Australia in 1949. Three years later he met his future wife, Claire, at a Christmas pa...
Excerpt: He turned instead to acting and performance, later migrating to Australia in 1949.
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: His early professional years were spent in theatre and radio drama, including performances on Caltex Theatre, The General Motors Hour, When a Girl Mar...
Excerpt: his early professional years were spent in theatre and radio drama, including performances on Caltex Theatre, The General Motors Hour, When a Girl Marries and Portia Faces Life
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Climpson was part of the first generation of Australian television talent, joining Channel 9 in 1956 as an announcer, weatherman and newsreader.
Excerpt: Climpson was part of the first generation of Australian television talent, joining Channel 9 in 1956 as an announcer, weatherman and newsreader
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Roger Climpson—Wikipedia
Cited text: He got the job at Nine after asking his friend Brian Henderson to have a word with the head of the network, Bruce Gyngell.
Excerpt: He got the job at Nine after asking his friend Brian Henderson to have a word with the head of the network, Bruce Gyngell
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Climpson
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: He fronted programs including Rendezvous with Roger and The House and Garden Show.
Excerpt: he fronted programs including Rendezvous with Roger and The House and Garden Show
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Roger Climpson—Wikipedia
Cited text: He left Channel Nine in 1965 after chairman Sir Frank Packer refused to grant him a five-pound pay rise.
Excerpt: He left Channel Nine in 1965 after chairman Sir Frank Packer refused to grant him a five-pound pay rise.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Climpson
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: After a contract dispute in 1965 briefly saw him return to his father’s butcher shop, he joined Channel 7, where he became a defining presence on Sydn...
Excerpt: He left Channel Nine in 1965 after chairman Sir Frank Packer refused to grant him a five-pound pay rise.
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: In 1977 he began hosting the local version of This Is Your Life, while continuing his newsreading duties.
Excerpt: In 1977 he began hosting the local version of This Is Your Life, while continuing his newsreading duties
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
This is Your Life (Australia)—Nostalgia Central
Cited text: The series ran until 1980 with hosts Digby Wolfe (1976) and newsreader Roger Climpson (1977—1980) taking over as the host—at one time becoming Aus...
Excerpt: The series ran until 1980 with hosts Digby Wolfe (1976) and newsreader Roger Climpson (1977—1980) taking over as the host—at one time becoming Australia's highest-rating television show
https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1970s/this-is-your-life-australia/
This Is Your Life (Australian TV series) - Wikipedia
Cited text: Subsequent seasons were compered by Digby Wolfe (1976) and Roger Climpson (1977—1980).
Excerpt: Roger Climpson hosted This Is Your Life from 1977-1980
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_Your_Life_(Australian_TV_series)
Vale: Roger Climpson | TV Tonight
Cited text: Sad to hear about this news.
Excerpt: 7NEWS Sydney News Director Geoff Dunn recalled 'the trademark wink and beaming smile that became part of Roger's nightly sign-off: 'For our viewers, he also felt like a friend''
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/09/vale-roger-climpson.html
Vale: Roger Climpson | TV Tonight
Cited text: “For our viewers, he also felt like a friend with a beaming smile and his trademark wink as he said good night.
Excerpt: 7NEWS Sydney News Director Geoff Dunn recalled 'the trademark wink and beaming smile that became part of Roger's nightly sign-off: 'For our viewers, he also felt like a friend''
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/09/vale-roger-climpson.html
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: A brief retirement in 1982 gave way to his return in 1989 as anchor of Seven News Sydney, a role he held until a prostate cancer diagnosis in 1994 pro...
Excerpt: A brief retirement in 1982 gave way to his return in 1989 as anchor of Seven News Sydney, a role he held until a prostate cancer diagnosis in 1994 prompted him to step aside
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Remembering Former Hope Media Chair and TV Legend Roger Climpson OAM: 1931-2025—Hope 103.2
Cited text: · Roger was best known for his decades-long work in radio and TV, hosting Seven Network shows This Is Your Life (1977—1980) and true crime reenactment...
Excerpt: he hosted true crime reenactment series Australia's Most Wanted (1997-1999)
https://hope1032.com.au/faith/remembering-roger-climpson-oam-1931-2025/
Remembering Former Hope Media Chair and TV Legend Roger Climpson OAM: 1931-2025—Hope 103.2
Cited text: · However, it was Roger’s strong Christian faith — “his love for God” and “love for communicating” — that saw him Chair the Board of the Christian Bro...
Excerpt: Roger's strong Christian faith — 'his love for God' and 'love for communicating' — saw him Chair the Board of the Christian Broadcasting Association (as Hope Media was known at the time) in 1995.
https://hope1032.com.au/faith/remembering-roger-climpson-oam-1931-2025/
Remembering Former Hope Media Chair and TV Legend Roger Climpson OAM: 1931-2025—Hope 103.2
Cited text: · So, it was no surprise after almost 50 years, he was honoured for “his services to the media, particularly through the Christian Broadcasting Associ...
Excerpt: In 2004, he was honoured for 'his services to the media, particularly through the Christian Broadcasting Association and to the community through a range of service groups' with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day.
https://hope1032.com.au/faith/remembering-roger-climpson-oam-1931-2025/
Vale: Roger Climpson | TV Tonight
Cited text: He was an absolute gentleman on and off camera—warm, quick witted and kind, and it was a privilege to work alongside him.” · 7NEWS Sydney co-anchor,...
Excerpt: 7NEWS Sydney co-anchor, Mark Ferguson, said: 'Like so many families we watched Roger most nights for many years.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/09/vale-roger-climpson.html
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: As a teenager in Tamworth, he helped me open a window to a wider world,” · “For a nervous country kid, Roger was very warm and very welcoming. Behind ...
Excerpt: Ferguson continued: 'For a nervous country kid, Roger was very warm and very welcoming.
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Vale: Roger Climpson | TV Tonight
Cited text: Ann Sanders, host of Seven’s Afternoon News in Sydney said: “Roger was a highly respected newsreader with great presence and reach to the television a...
Excerpt: Ann Sanders, host of Seven's Afternoon News in Sydney said: 'Roger was a highly respected newsreader with great presence and reach to the television audience who adored him'
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/09/vale-roger-climpson.html
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: He was succeeded on the news desk by Ann Sanders, who later paid tribute to him as “an absolute gentleman on and off camera—warm, quick witted and k...
Excerpt: She later paid tribute to him as 'an absolute gentleman on and off camera—warm, quick witted and kind.'
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Vale: Roger Climpson | TV Tonight
Cited text: pic.twitter.com/XgtiGoNDe5 · — 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) September 17, 2025 ... RIP Roger a great news reader and presenter back when news only went...
Excerpt: 'news only went for 30 minutes once or twice a day'
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/09/vale-roger-climpson.html
Vale: Roger Climpson | TV Tonight
Cited text: He had such a distinguished voice and oozed credibility when delivering the news. I remember being haunted as a child by his brilliant work on Austral...
Excerpt: One viewer captured the sentiment perfectly: 'He had such a distinguished voice and oozed credibility when delivering the news.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/09/vale-roger-climpson.html
Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV—TV Blackbox
Cited text: Behind the desk he was all class—informed and engaging, with a voice that made you sit up and listen.” · Geoff Dunn, news director at 7NEWS Sydney, ...
Excerpt: Geoff Dunn, news director at 7NEWS Sydney, described Climpson as 'the trusted face of 7NEWS, defining a golden era of broadcast television and playing a central role in how we stayed informed.'
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2025...-remembered-as-trusted-face-of-australian-tv/
Remembering Former Hope Media Chair and TV Legend Roger Climpson OAM: 1931-2025—Hope 103.2
Cited text: · Hope Media CEO Phillip Randall said “Roger left a legacy of love, faith and vision at Hope Media.
Excerpt: As Hope Media CEO Phillip Randall said: 'Roger left a legacy of love, faith and vision'
https://hope1032.com.au/faith/remembering-roger-climpson-oam-1931-2025/
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