News Summary
Jeff Clabaugh, a longtime business reporter known for making financial news accessible, has passed away at the age of 63 after battling cancer. His career spanned over three decades, most notably as a voice for money news in the D.C. area. Colleagues remember him for his warm style and dedication to journalism. His contributions significantly shaped business reporting, and he is honored alongside others lost in the industry. Listeners are invited to share memories in remembrance of his impactful career.
Washington D.C. – Longtime business reporter Jeff Clabaugh passed away at the age of 63 on Thursday night, September 18, 2025, after a yearlong battle with cancer. Clabaugh died at his home, surrounded by his long-term partner, Russ Rader. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over three decades, during which he became a well-known voice for money news in the D.C. region.
Clabaugh delivered reports twice an hour on local airwaves and contributed popular articles for listeners and readers on WTOP.com. His final business news report aired just two days before his death. Colleagues have remarked on Clabaugh’s profound love for journalism, highlighting that he found it difficult to step away from the work he cherished so much.
In an email to WTOP staff announcing Clabaugh’s passing, the Director of News and Programming expressed that his contributions were pivotal in shaping the station’s business reporting. Colleagues remembered Clabaugh for his warm conversational style and his ability to simplify complex financial topics for everyday listeners, ensuring that financial news was accessible to all.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 11, 1962, in the Midwest, Clabaugh exhibited a passion for reporting from a young age, starting to share news stories creatively at just three years old with an empty toilet paper roll. He began his professional journalism career in Omaha, Nebraska, where he reported on commodities markets for radio station WOW.
Throughout his career, Clabaugh worked for various media outlets, including USA Today Sky Radio and Radio Netherlands. He joined WTOP in the 1990s as a news anchor and briefly left to work for the Washington Business Journal. He made a comeback to WTOP in January 2016 as the in-house business reporter, where he continued to thrive, enriching the reporting landscape.
Work and Contributions
Clabaugh was known for his distinctive ability to connect with listeners, breaking down intricate issues related to the economy and finances. He fostered a friendly atmosphere in the newsroom, often injecting humor into his interactions and creating memorable moments. In a nod to his time at WTOP, he initiated a celebration dubbed “Jeff Clabaugh Day,” an event where he would bring lunch to his colleagues, further showcasing his warm demeanor.
Outside of journalism, Clabaugh cherished spending time at his second home in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. He was also an ardent food enthusiast, known for preparing gourmet meals which he often shared with his colleagues in the newsroom. His kindness and mentorship greatly influenced many aspiring journalists, leaving a lasting impact on those who had the opportunity to work alongside him.
Legacy and Remembrance
Clabaugh’s death comes only a few months after fellow WTOP anchor Dimitri Sotis passed away at the age of 55 in January. Colleagues have noted the loss felt in the newsroom, lamenting the passing of two titans of the industry. As the WTOP community remembers Clabaugh, listeners are invited to share their memories through the WTOP News app, honoring the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to informed reporting and public service.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Washington: Jeff Clabaugh Dies
- WJLA: Jeff Clabaugh Passes Away
- WTOP: Remembering Jeff Clabaugh
- 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.
