Ted Rogers: Canada’s Media Mogul

Ted Rogers built a media empire through hard-work, determination, vision and some good fortune along the way.

Another important part of Rogers’ success was his willingness to do the unexpected. Whether it was barging his way into the long-distance business (Unitel), moving into the wireless business, or even buying a baseball team (the Toronto Blue Jays) and a sports arena (The SkyDome), Rogers marched to the beat of his own drummer and, in the end, proved all of his critics wrong.

Personally, I’ve got two indelible memories of Rogers in action. One was a Rogers AGM a few years ago in the bowels of Rogers headquarters in downtown Toronto. Rogers made an immediate impression by wearing a eye-catching powder blue suit, which stood in stark contrast to the black and grey worn by his executive team.

During the Q&A afterward, Rogers proclaimed that his company was going to file a complaint to the CRTC – a move that clearly surprised everyone sitting with him on stage, whom I’m sure had to scramble to embrace the news as quickly as possible!

The second Ted Rogers story was finally getting a one-on-one interview with him when I was at the National Post. It happened at his office at the top of the corporate headquarters. Not only was it beautifully decorated but it had a working fireplace.

So, there we are – Ted Rogers, the billionaire entrepreneur overseeing a telecom/cable empire – and me, the intrepid reporter feeling a bit uncomfortable wearing a suit and tie – having a discussion while sitting in front a roaring fire. It was priceless.

RIP, Mr. Rogers. You’ll be missed.

More: Kirk Lapointe has also some thoughts about Rogers’ career and accomplishments.

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