Jack Roper, Your Carolina host, to sign off from Channel 7 News after 39 years

Joanna Johnson, Spartanburg Herald-Journal
Updated ·2 min read
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Jack Roper, host of Your Carolina with WSPA, will retire after 39 years with the network.

Roper made the announcement Wednesday during the Your Carolina broadcast.

He joined News Channel 7 in 1986 as a weather anchor but began his broadcast career as a radio host, serving local Carolina radio. Before joining News Channel 7, Roper lived in Washington, N.C., and worked as a weather anchor and children’s show host at WITN-TV.

Jack Roper has been a part of WSPA for 39 years, where he began his career with the network as a Weather Anchor. Roper is retiring and his impact on the Upstate is being highlighted throughout the month.
Jack Roper has been a part of WSPA for 39 years, where he began his career with the network as a Weather Anchor. Roper is retiring and his impact on the Upstate is being highlighted throughout the month.

"I've dreaded retirement because it would mean I would leave the place I've called home for over half my life," Roper said in a statement. His retirement is effective May 31.

Roper is a native of Union, S.C., and a University of South Carolina graduate. He earned his meteorology degree from Mississippi State University in 2007 while working as a weather anchor. He was a weather anchor for Channel 7 for 22 years.

In 2001, Roper's contract was not renewed after 15 years anchoring at WSPA-TV. The split enraged many fans and community members, who demanded Roper be brought back to the network. Roper began hosting "Your Carolina" in 2017.

Roper has won many awards as a television broadcaster and host. He was the formal host for “Kidsizzle with Jack Roper,” which received the Best Children’s Program award in 1993 from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.

"I cherished each opportunity to excite the kids with animals, magic, and music," Roper said.

Roper was also honored with the South Carolina Broadcasters Association’s TV Personality of the Year for three years, 1988, 1989, and 2004. He won the Star Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions within the state, in 2010.

WSPA is honoring Roper's retirement with a month-long celebration, recognizing and highlighting his contributions to the Upstate.

Joanna Johnson covers community news and education for the Herald-Journal. Reach her via email at jjohnson@shj.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Your Carolina host, Jack Roper, announces retirement after 39 years.