Rogers Communications Inc. is a Canadian communications and media company operating primarily in the fields of wireless communications, cable television, telephony and Internet, with significant additional telecommunications and mass media assets. Rogers has its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario.^[6] The company traces its origins to 1925 when Edward S. Rogers Sr. founded Rogers Vacuum Tube Company to sell battery-less radios, although this present enterprise dates to 1960, when Ted Rogers and a partner acquired the CHFI-FM radio station;^[7] they then became part-owners of a group that established the CFTO television station.^[8]

The chief competitor to Rogers is Bell Canada, which has a similarly extensive portfolio of radio and television media assets, as well as wireless, television distribution, and telephone services, particularly in Eastern and Central Canada. The two companies are often seen as having a duopoly on communications services in their regions, and both companies own a stake of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Rogers also competes nationally with Telus for wireless services, and primarily indirectly with Shaw Communications for television service.

History[edit]

Historic corporate logos

1969–1986

1986-2000

2000–2015

Logos used by Rogers Communication from 1969 to 2015.

In 1925, Ted Rogers invented the world’s first alternating current (AC) heater filament cathode for a radio tube, which then enabled radios to be powered by ordinary transformer-coupled household electric current.^[7] This was a breakthrough in the technology and became a key factor in popularizing radio reception. He also established the CFRB radio station in Toronto (later acquired by outside interests). In 1931, he was awarded an experimental television licence in Canada. On May 6, 1939, he was working on radar when he died suddenly due to complications of a hemorrhage, at the age of 38. He left a widow, Velma, and a five-year-old son, Edward (known as Ted). While his business interests were subsequently sold, his son later determined to carry on his father’s legacy.^[7]

In 1960, Ted Rogers and broadcaster Joel Aldred^[9] raised money to found Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting in order to purchase CHFI, an FM radio station in Toronto.^[10] Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting also became a part-owner of Baton Aldred Rogers Broadcasting (BARB), which established CFTO-TV, Toronto’s first private television station.^[11][12] In 1964, Rogers established CFTR, an AM radio station. In 1967, Rogers established Rogers Cable TV in partnership with BARB. In 1971, new CRTC regulations forced BARB to sell its 50% stake in Rogers Cable TV.

In 1979, Rogers acquired Canadian Cablesystems, and became listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange as a result. In 1980, Rogers acquired Premier Cablevision and became the largest cable company in Canada. In 1986, Rogers Cable was renamed Rogers Communications; it established operational control over Cantel, a wireless telephone company in which Rogers had a stake.

21st century[edit]

Rogers Communications Inc. unveiled its new logo on January 17, 2000, marking the departure of its original logo.^[13]

In 2000, Rogers acquired Cable Atlantic^[14] from Newfoundland businessman Danny Williams.

In July 2001, Rogers Media acquired CTV Sportsnet, which was renamed as Rogers Sportsnet that November. The FAN 590 sports radio station joined Rogers Media in August 2001, along with 14 Northern Ontario radio stations.^[15]

In fall 2004, several strategic transactions were executed that significantly increased Rogers exposure to the potential of the Canadian wireless market. Rogers acquired the 34% of Rogers Wireless owned by AT&T Wireless Services Inc. for $1.77 billion.^[16]

On December 2, 2008, Ted Rogers died of heart failure.^[17]

In 2012, Rogers Cable filed a complaint in an Ontario court against penalties levied under a ‘Truth in Advertising’ law, claiming that the amount of the penalties, and the requirements imposed by the law, were in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.^[18]

The company also had to recognize the rising market trend of customers canceling or foregoing cable television service subscriptions in favour of cheaper priced alternate content delivery means, such as streaming media services like Netflix, a demographic called “cord cutters” and “cord nevers.” In response, Rogers acquired content with a speculated cost of $100 million to begin their own competing online streaming service, Shomi, much like the American Hulu Plus,^[19] which launched November 4, 2014. Shomi subsequently shut down after only 2 years of operation, on November 30, 2016.^[20]

In the summer of 2014, Rogers reported a 24% drop in profit compared to the previous year’s second quarter.^[21]