Ted Rogers was a true Canadian icon in the Canadian communications landscape. Known for his relentless drive, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to see around the corners, he transformed the Canadian communications landscape for almost 60 years.
He brought many technological innovations to Canadians from the FM radio in the 1960’s and crystal-clear cable TV reception in the 1970’s, to cellular phones in the 1980’s to high-speed Internet to the home and wireless voice, data and streaming services. He was truly a legend ahead of his time.
A graduate of the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School, Ted was a lawyer by training, and an entrepreneur at heart. His business card read: “Ted Rogers, Senior Salesperson”.
His reputation as an innovator and risk taker was earned early in his career when, while still in law school, he purchased Toronto FM-radio station CHFI in 1960 when only 5% of the city’s households even had FM receivers.
Through all the successes of his life, Ted retained an enigmatic streak. His work ethic was legendary, and he instilled tremendous loyalty from his senior management team.
Many of his ideas came from listening to those around him. He was unfailingly curious about what others were thinking, tapping into the expertise of engineers, getting the front-line perspective of customer service representatives and speaking with customers he met on the street.
In 1990, Ted was named an Officer of The Order of Canada and in 1994 was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. In 2002, Ted was the first Canadian inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame in Denver. Over the years, he was awarded eight honorary doctorates from North American universities.
Ted Rogers left an unrivalled legacy of innovation and a proud Canadian company that bears his name, carrying on his life’s labour and passions.