Roger Climpson, Veteran Australian Broadcaster, Dies at 93
Roger Climpson, a beloved figure in Australian television news and entertainment, has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93. The news broke early Wednesday (September 17th), marking the end of a five-decade career that saw him become a household name.
Climpson’s career began in 1956 at Nine Network, where he initially worked as an announcer, weatherman, and newsreader, hosting programs like Rendezvous with Roger and The House and Garden Show. He later moved to Seven Network after a dispute over a pay rise at Nine, remaining with seven as a news presenter for 15 years, anchoring Sydney’s Seven News between 1989 and 1994.
Beyond news, Climpson was widely recognised for his hosting roles on iconic programs such as This Is Your life (1977-1980) and Australia’s Most Wanted (1997-1999).He also presented the afternoon shift on 2GB radio in Sydney from 1977.
Tributes have poured in from across the media landscape. 7NEWS Sydney co-anchor Mark Ferguson, who grew up watching Climpson on television, described him as “very warm and very welcoming,” adding, “behind the desk he was all class – informed and engaging, with a voice that made you sit up and listen.” Ferguson extended condolences to Climpson’s family, friends, and the many viewers who considered him a trusted friend.
Geoff Dunn, 7NEWS Sydney News Director, hailed Climpson as defining “a golden era of broadcast television,” noting his standing as “one of Australia’s most authoritative news presenters.”
Roger Climpson’s influence extended beyond mainstream media. Phillip Randall, CEO of Hope media, highlighted Climpson’s “legacy of love, faith and vision” during his time as Chairman, overseeing significant changes that allowed the ministry to reach a wider audience. Randall stated Climpson’s contributions were “pivotal for now and the future.”
Journalist Michael Smyth shared fond childhood memories of attending tapings of This Is Your Life with his mother, remembering Climpson as “a great broadcaster.”