Roger Climpson, Australian TV and radio presenter, has died aged 93.  Roger was best known for his decades-long work in radio and TV, hosting Seven Network shows This Is Your Life (1977–1980) and true crime reenactment series Australia’s Most Wanted (1997-1999). He also presented Sydney’s 2GB afternoon shift from 1977, and anchored Sydney’s Seven News between 1989 and 1994. 

He was also the Chair of the Board of the Christian Broadcasting Association (as Hope Media was known at the time) in 1995.  

In a tribute on the Hope 103.2 website they wrote: ” 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 (as Hope Media was known at the time) in 1995.  “During his term as Chairman, Roger oversaw a time of great change for the ministry, enabling it to engage with a wider audience and meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.

“In doing so, he helped lay a foundation which has been pivotal for now and the future.

“He holds a special place in our hearts and history,” Phillip said. He sat down with Hope Media CEO Phillip Randal and spoke about what stood out to him during his time as Chair of the organisation he helped helm. 

“[It was] the day we officially opened the new studios (in Leabons Lane, Seven Hills, where Hope 103.2 is located today) and (former Australian rugby union player) Nick Farr-Jones opened the Station – a tremendous guy, a great Christian – and there was an atmosphere that I had never known before, which was virtually (Hope 103.2’s founder) Vern saying ‘that’s it, we’ve now really done it, we’ve actually opened a radio station completely in modern studios… and most important of all, we’ve been given by our great God this radio station complete’,” Roger recalled.  

“That, I think, was the moment of truth and the feeling of honour that I had that I was standing there introducing the guests and getting them to talk about what we are doing today and wondering whether they also thought and saw what I saw in that moment of time.” Roger said he felt the weight of this modern Christian radio station unveiling in light of the knowledge it had taken Reverend Vernon Turner 23 years of petitioning the government to grant an FM licence for a dedicated Christian radio station in Sydney.  He steadfastly served the Sydney listening community for two decades before handing over the reins to former Hope Media Chair Stephen O’Doherty in 2005. 

Hope Media CEO Phillip Randall said “Roger left a legacy of love, faith and vision at Hope Media. So much so, it’s virtually impossible to sum it all up in a few words”.Roger said he felt the weight of this modern Christian radio station unveiling in light of the knowledge it had taken Reverend Vernon Turner 23 years of petitioning the government to grant an FM licence for a dedicated Christian radio station in Sydney.  

A radio and media veteran in the truest sense, Roger began his career in theatre radio, not long before joining Channel Nine at its 1956 inception. 

So, it was no surprise after almost 50 years, he was honoured or “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) on Australia Day in 2004.  

Roger’s OAM was added to a long list of awards as a beloved newsreader, for his TV work, for various charity, rotary and community projects, and, in 2014, a Christian Media Australia Lifetime Achievement Award  for his selfless contribution to the industry. 

This humble media professional had many stories about the inside workings of the media and shared about the experience that deepened his Christian walk” with former Open House presenter Leigh Hatcher.  Roger said he felt the weight of this modern Christian radio station unveiling in light of the knowledge it had taken Reverend Vernon Turner 23 years of petitioning the government to grant an FM licence for a dedicated Christian radio station in Sydney.  Roger also loved sailing and authored Elinda, a story of survival and celebration of life. 

A private family service will be held later this week.