Veteran newsreader and television presenter Roger Climpson has died aged 93.
The beloved broadcaster was a trusted presence on Australian screens for decades after joining 7NEWS in the 1960s, where he quickly became one of Sydney‘s most recognisable faces.
Roger went on to host the popular programs This Is Your Life and Australia’s Most Wanted.Â
He then returned to the news desk to co-anchor Seven’s Nightly News in Sydney alongside Ann Sanders.
Sanders, now host of Seven’s Afternoon News, paid tribute to her former colleague, describing him as ‘an absolute gentleman on and off camera – warm, quick witted and kind.’
7NEWS Sydney co-anchor Mark Ferguson remembered watching Climpson as a teenager in Tamworth, calling him ‘all class – informed and engaging, with a voice that made you sit up and listen.’
Veteran newsreader and television presenter Roger Climpson has died aged 93. Pictured in 2006
‘For a nervous country kid, Roger was very warm and very welcoming,’Â Ferguson said.
‘Behind the desk he was all class – informed and engaging, with a voice that made you sit up and listen.
‘Our condolences to his family, friends and the many viewers, who I’m sure thought of Roger as a trusted friend.’
7NEWS Sydney News Director Geoff Dunn said Roger defined ‘a golden era of broadcast television’.Â
He added: ‘He stood out as one of Australia’s most authoritative news presenters.’
Dunn also 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.’
Born in England in 1931, Climpson emigrated to Australia and went on to build one of the most distinguished careers in local broadcasting.
Beyond his media career, Roger was also a key figure in Christian broadcasting.
The beloved broadcaster was a trusted presence on Australian screens for decades after joining 7NEWS in the 1960s, where he quickly became one of Sydney ‘s most recognisable facesÂ
Born in England in 1931, Climpson emigrated to Australia and went on to build one of the most distinguished careers in local broadcasting
He served as Chair of the board of what is now Hope Media (formerly the Christian Broadcasting Association) from 1995 to 2005, guiding the organisation through modernisation and growth.
Hope Media CEO Phillip Randall said Roger ‘left a legacy of love, faith and vision … he helped lay a foundation which has been pivotal for now and the future.’
Roger’s service was formally recognised in 2004, when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to media, to the Christian Broadcasting Association and to various community groups.
He also received the Christian Media Australia Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.Â
7NEWS said in a statement that the network’s condolences were with his family following his passing.
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Tributes flow as beloved Channel Seven presenter Roger Climpson dies aged 93: ‘An absolute gentleman’