News Summary
Jeff Clabaugh, a celebrated business reporter at WTOP, passed away after a battle with cancer. Known for his storytelling and ability to simplify complex financial news, he left a lasting legacy in journalism. Colleagues remember his humor, mentorship, and the joy he brought to the newsroom. His contributions to business reporting shaped the industry, and listeners are encouraged to share memories as a tribute. Clabaugh will be missed not only for his work but for his caring nature towards family, colleagues, and audiences.
Washington, DC – Jeff Clabaugh, a prominent voice in business reporting and a long-time reporter at WTOP, passed away at the age of 63 after battling cancer for a year. Clabaugh died at his home, surrounded by his long-term partner, Russ Rader. His last business report aired on September 16, 2025, marking the end of an influential career that spanned over three decades.
Clabaugh began his journalism career in the 1990s at WTOP, where he became known for his smooth delivery and ability to break down complicated financial stories into easy-to-understand segments for everyday listeners. Julia Ziegler, WTOP’s Director of News and Programming, referred to him as an incredible storyteller and praised his distinctive work ethic and voice. Clabaugh officially became the station’s in-house business reporter in January 2016, solidifying his role in the organization.
Before joining WTOP, Clabaugh started in Omaha, where he covered commodities markets for WOW. He also held positions at USA Today Sky Radio and Radio Netherlands, where he gained experience before continuing his career at WTOP, where he was also associated with the Washington Business Journal. His relatable and conversational approach to money news resonated deeply with the audience, prompting many listeners to turn up the volume to catch his reports.
Colleagues reflected on Clabaugh’s warm and intelligent demeanor, highlighting his talent in mentoring younger staff members and his commitment to delivering quality storytelling. His unique humor and love for life’s little pleasures enriched the environment in the WTOP newsroom. Clabaugh was known for celebrating his coworkers with expressions of gratitude, including the creation of “Jeff Clabaugh Day,” during which he would bring lunch for the newsroom staff.
Clabaugh held a strong passion for food and was known for preparing intricate dishes for his coworkers. Additionally, he was an avid traveler, often making trips to his second home on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he drew inspiration for his WTOP audio booth name, “Soggy Dollar,” after a favorite beach bar in the British Virgin Islands. His wit and appreciation for the simple joys in life significantly influenced both his work and personal relationships.
The news of Clabaugh’s passing also comes on the heels of the loss of another veteran WTOP anchor, Dimitri Sotis, who died in January 2025. Ziegler described both men as “titans” of journalism and expressed the profound sadness in losing two significant figures in the same year. Many colleagues commended Clabaugh not only for his dedication to the craft of journalism but also for his nurturing spirit and guidance to younger reporters.
Listeners of WTOP are encouraged to share their memories of Jeff Clabaugh via the WTOP News app as a tribute to his legacy. He will be remembered not just for his remarkable contributions to business journalism, but also for his caring nature toward his audience, family, and colleagues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mayor Bowser Addresses D.C. Economic Challenges at Conference
Veteran Business Reporter Jeff Clabaugh Passes Away
Remembering Jeff Clabaugh: A Voice in Financial Journalism
Additional Resources
- WTOP: Jeff Clabaugh Dies at 63
- NBC Washington: WTOP Business Reporter Jeff Clabaugh Dies
- Radio Ink: Jeff Clabaugh Passes Away
- Inside Radio: Jeff Clabaugh Dies
- Google Search: Jeff Clabaugh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Journalism
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
