Roger Climpson remembered as trusted voice of Australian television

Roger Climpson, one of Sydney’s most recognisable broadcasters, has died aged 93.

Best known for anchoring 7NEWS and hosting This Is Your Life and Australia’s Most Wanted, Climpson built a career that stretched across decades and left a lasting mark on Australian television.

Climpson joined Seven in the 1960s as a newsreader and became a household name for his calm delivery and engaging style.

He later co-anchored Seven’s Nightly News in Sydney with Ann Sanders, adding to his reputation as a steady presence in Australian living rooms.

Warmth behind the desk

Sanders, now host of Seven’s Afternoon News in Sydney, reflected on their time together: “Roger was a highly respected newsreader with great presence and reach to the television audience who adored him.

"He was an absolute gentleman on and off camera - warm, quick witted and kind, and it was a privilege to work alongside him."

Mark Ferguson, co-anchor of 7NEWS Sydney, shared his own connection: “Like so many families we watched Roger most nights for many years. As a teenager in Tamworth, he helped me open a window to a wider world.

"A few years later as a cadet journo I remember interviewing him when he came to town. I think he was lead story that night on the local news - he was a big deal. Then down the track I was working alongside him in the Sydney newsroom."

He added: “For a nervous country kid, Roger was very warm and very welcoming. 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.”

Marking a golden era

7NEWS Sydney News Director Geoff Dunn described Climpson as central to the network’s history: “Roger Climpson was the trusted face of 7NEWS, defining a golden era of broadcast television and playing a central role in how we stayed informed. He stood out as one of Australia's most authoritative news presenters.

“For our viewers, he also felt like a friend with a beaming smile and his trademark wink as he said good night. From everyone at 7NEWS, we offer our sincere condolences to Roger’s family.”

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