Roger Climpson Dies at 93: A Broadcasting Legend

Roger Climpson, considered one of the most recognizable names in Australian television and radio, has died at 93. The broadcaster died in the early hours of Tuesday morning after decades at the forefront of Australia’s media landscape. 

Starting his career in the 1950s, Climpson cemented himself as a news reader, presenter, and host and was loved by audiences for his warm, personable manner on broadcasts like Seven News Sydney, This is Your Life and Australia’s Most Wanted.

Tributes to Climpson have flowed in from across the broadcasting industry, with colleagues honouring him as a broadcaster and a generous supporter to many as a mentor. Viewers reflected on what his voice, and presence, meant to them throughout their daily routine and daily lives. Many shared how the voice of Roger brought a feeling of trust, and calmness, into homes across Australia.

A Career That Spanned Generations

Roger Climpson began his career in 1956 as an announcer, weatherman and newsreader at Channel 9. He subsequently hosted such programs as Rendezvous with Roger and The House and Garden Show, but it was his role as presenter of This Is Your Life that ensured his place in Australian television history.

Whatever the genre of presentation, Roger Climpson filled the space with distinction. He carved out an equally strong mark in news, assuming the role of anchor at Seven News Sydney in the late 1980s and kept this role for several years. Given his clear delivery and calm approach, Climpson quickly established himself as one of the most trusted newsreaders of his era; he later also presented the crime series Australia’s Most Wanted which added further depth to his expansive career.

In addition to television, Climpson also worked in radio, including a stint on Sydney’s 2GB, and so he was comfortable moving between platforms, but his extensive experience would have meant continuity of the very high standards of professionalism audiences had come to expect. His work was recognised in 2004, when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the media and to the community.

Service and Legacy

Although Climpson's experience in broadcasting afforded him national recognition, he also spent many of his hours working for faith - and community-based programs beginning in the 1960s with the Christian Broadcasting Association (now Hope Media). He became chair of this organization and led it during a time of growth between 1995 to 2005.

Colleagues and friends said, he was more than just a broadcaster; many captured his humility and genuine care for people both on and off the broadcast. His leadership in community initiatives was another reflection of his call to service off the oral stage, if you will, of television.

Legendary Seven newsman Roger Climpson has died, his passing confirmed a short time ago.

Roger fronted 7NEWS during the 1960s to 1980, and again into the mid-1990s.

Watch 7NEWS at 6pm for our special tribute. pic.twitter.com/XgtiGoNDe5

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) September 17, 2025

Remembering a Media Pioneer

The death of Roger Climpson has brought an end to a stellar era in the Australian media landscape. Over a career approaching fifty years, he became a trusted voice to millions of Australians. More than a presenter, he had become an unfailing presence at a time when so much was uncertain and opinions changed quickly.

As tributes continue to pour in for Roger, one thing is clear: his impact extended beyond the shows or the news he read, consisting of professionalism, humility and public interest that will bring lasting memories long after the occasion of his last broadcast.

Image(s) Source: tvtonight.com , reddit.com , hope1032.com.au