Vale Media Legend Roger Climpson OAM: 1931-2025
Roger was known as one of the most trusted faces in Australia, serving a lengthy career in both radio and television, as a journalist and reporter, announcer, newsreader, weather presenter and host. He started his career as an actor in radio, but also appeared in theatre and television productions.
Climpson was a television news presenter with both the Nine Network and Seven Network for Seven News in the 1980s and 1990s and hosted Seven Network TV shows This Is Your Life (1977–1980) and true crime re-enactment series Australia’s Most Wanted (1997-1999).
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 Broadcasting Association in 1995 (now Hope Media), faithfully serving in the role for two decades.
In 2014 Roger received CMAA’s Legacy Award for a Lifetime of Service to Christian Media and the Arts. This added to a long list of awards for his TV work, various charity, rotary and community projects. On Australia Day 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).
Colleagues remember Climpson as “an utterly gracious man driven entirely by his very deep faith, but also the consummate professional.”
This humble Media Professional had many fascinating stories about the inside workings of the media would often share about the experience that deepened his Christian walk.
Roger also loved sailing and authored Elinda, a story of survival and celebration of life.
He was married to Claire, who died last month. The 17th September would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary.
A private family service will be held to farewell and honour his memory.
Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media and Arts Australia
Feature image: Supplied (Christian Media & Arts Australia)
