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Ted Rogers

Edward Samuel “Ted” Rogers Jr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Edward Samuel “Ted” Rogers Jr. (1933–2008) was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist who founded Rogers Communications and became a major figure in Canadian telecommunications and media. He expanded the company into cable television, radio, wireless, and Internet services, and was widely regarded as a transformative force in the Canadian communications industry.

Early life and education

Ted Rogers was born in Toronto in 1933. He studied at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School before moving into broadcasting and communications.

Rogers Communications

Rogers founded Rogers Communications in 1967 and expanded it through cable television, radio, wireless, and Internet businesses. His leadership helped make the company one of Canada’s best-known communications firms.

Business influence

Rogers was widely recognized as an innovator in Canadian telecommunications. He was associated with major shifts in how Canadians accessed television, radio, mobile, and broadband services.

Death and legacy

Rogers died in Toronto in 2008 at age 75. He is remembered as one of Canada’s most influential business leaders and a central figure in the history of Canadian media and telecommunications.

Key facts

  • Founded Rogers Communications in 1967 and led it as president and CEO.
  • Built the company into a major Canadian communications and media enterprise.
  • Helped pioneer Canadian cable television, radio broadcasting, wireless services, and high-speed Internet.
  • At the time of his death, Rogers Communications had about 29,000 employees and an estimated value of $18 billion.
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Canadian context

Ted Rogers is highly relevant to Canadian readers because he was a major Canadian entrepreneur who helped shape the country’s communications, media, and telecommunications sectors.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ted Rogers?
Ted Rogers was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist best known as the founder of Rogers Communications.
What company did Ted Rogers found?
He founded Rogers Communications in 1967.
What industries was Ted Rogers involved in?
He was involved in broadcasting, cable television, wireless telecommunications, and Internet services.
When was Ted Rogers born?
He was born on May 27, 1933, in Toronto, Ontario.
When did Ted Rogers die?
He died on December 2, 2008, in Toronto, Ontario.
Why is Ted Rogers notable in Canada?
He played a major role in building one of Canada’s largest communications companies and in shaping the country’s telecommunications industry.

References

  1. Rogers — https://about.rogers.com/stories/ted-rogers/
    Supports: Rogers’ description of Ted Rogers’ role in transforming the Canadian communications landscape and introducing innovations.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ted-rogers
    Supports: Birth and death details, biography, role as founder and CEO of Rogers Communications, and business significance.
  3. The Museum of Broadcast Communications — https://www.museum.tv/tv-encyclopedia-14/rogers-ted-k64wt
    Supports: Career background, founding of Rogers Communications, and broadcasting history.
  4. Canadian Communications Foundation — https://broadcasting-history.ca/personalities/rogers-jnr-ested/
    Supports: Broadcasting career, purchase of CHFI-FM, and death details.
  5. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/ted-rogers-75/article20390706/
    Supports: Business influence, communications empire, and legacy in Canada.