Roger Climpson: skating on thin ice

Roger Climpson OAM (1932–2025) was a mainstay of Australian television from the 1950s onwards.

He emigrated from England to Australia when he was 18. While he was also a radio and stage actor, Climpson will be chiefly remembered as a trusted and beloved newsreader for the Nine and Seven networks. He had a warm connection with his audience and signed off news bulletins with a trademark wink. Climpson was one of the first presenters on Australian TV; when the nation made the switch to colour, he was one of those chosen to unveil the new era for viewers.  

From 1957, when he joined Channel Nine, he played many roles: anchor, weather presenter, announcer. He later diversified to hosting popular shows like This Is Your Life and Australia’s Most Wanted and appearing in commercials. He retired in 1994 after decades in the newsreader’s chair.  

In this clip from a 1984 episode of The Mike Walsh Show, Climpson chats with Walsh about his career. His showman’s timing and self-deprecating humour come into play as he relives his attempt to surprise the figure-skating star Sharon Burley on the ice, with comical results.