Roger Climpson, Australian TV Newsreader, Dies at 93

Roger Climpson, the trusted face of Australian television for decades, died in September 2025 at age 93. The British-born newsreader anchored Seven Nightly News and helped shape Australian broadcast journalism.

Full name: Roger Climpson OAM • Born: 18 October 1931, Peterborough, England • Died: 17 September 2025 (aged 93) • Occupation: Journalist, newsreader, television presenter • Notable for: Anchor of Seven Nightly News, host of This Is Your Life • Years active: 1950s – 2025

What religion was Roger Climpson?

Roger Climpson was a Christian whose faith played a central role in his life and work. He served as chair of Hope Media, the organisation behind the Christian radio station Hope 103.2, a role that reflected his longstanding commitment to faith-based media.

Did Roger Climpson publicly discuss his faith?

Colleagues and Christian media outlets noted that Climpson occasionally spoke about his faith in interviews and tributes. Newmedia reported that his Christian faith was described as central to his leadership at Hope Media.

Was he involved with a particular church or ministry?

Climpson’s most visible faith role was as chair of Hope Media, a Christian broadcaster. The Presbyterian Church of Australia (PCFA) also published a tribute lauding him as a fixture in national life, though specific church membership details remain limited in public records.

“Remembering Roger Climpson OAM: 1931-2025 – former Hope Media Chair and media icon.”

— Hope Media statement

The implication: his faith was expressed through institutional leadership rather than pulpit preaching.

How many children did Roger Climpson have?

Roger Climpson had children who survive him, though the exact number and their names have not been widely published in obituaries and tributes. Privacy has been maintained regarding his family.

What are the names of his children?

As of the latest reports, the names of Climpson’s children have not been disclosed in public records. Obituaries from Television.AU and other outlets mention that his children survive him but do not name them.

Did any of his children follow him into media?

No public information indicates that any of Climpson’s children pursued careers in broadcast journalism or media. The family has kept a low profile.

Is Roger Climpson still alive?

No. Roger Climpson died on 17 September 2025 at age 93. His death was widely reported by Australian media outlets and prompted tributes from colleagues, public figures, and the organisations he supported.

When did Roger Climpson pass away?

Climpson died on 17 September 2025. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) reported the date as 16 September 2025, while TV Blackbox also noted 16 September, two days before his wedding anniversary. Sources differ slightly on the exact date.

What was the official announcement?

The official announcement came from multiple sources, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, which published a tribute article titled “Vale Roger Climpson OAM.” Television.AU, TV Blackbox, and Newmedia also reported his death.

“Vale Roger Climpson OAM – lauded as a giant of Australian media and a fixture in our national life.”

— Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

The pattern: a coordinated public release across tier-1 and tier-2 media outlets confirmed the news within 48 hours.

What was Roger Climpson’s cause of death?

The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed as of the latest reports. The family requested privacy, and no official medical statement has been released.

Did his family release a statement?

No detailed family statement about the cause of death has been published. The family’s request for privacy has been respected by media outlets reporting on his passing.

Was it sudden or after an illness?

Climpson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994 and became one of the first public figures in Australia to speak openly about the disease. He helped play a pivotal role in the creation of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia through his connection with the Rotary Club of Lane Cove. However, no direct link between his cancer history and his cause of death has been confirmed.

Was Roger Climpson married?

Yes. Roger Climpson was married to Claire, who predeceased him. Television.AU reported that Claire died the month before Roger’s passing.

Who was Roger Climpson’s wife?

Climpson’s wife was named Claire. Details about her life, career, and the date of her death have not been widely published. TV Blackbox noted that Climpson died two days before his wedding anniversary, suggesting a longstanding marriage.

Did he remarry after her death?

No public records indicate that Climpson remarried after Claire’s death. With Claire predeceasing him by only a month, remarriage was not a factor in his later years.

Timeline

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

The pattern: the public record is strong on career and public service but thin on personal and medical details.

Related reading: Roger Climpson remembered as trusted face of Australian TV · Vale Roger Climpson OAM – Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

Roger Climpson built a career that spanned the birth of Australian television, rose to become its most trusted newsreader, and leveraged his public profile to advocate for prostate cancer awareness and Christian media. His death at 93 closes a chapter in Australian broadcast history, but the institutions he helped build — from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to Hope Media — remain as his legacy.