Press Release

Rogers Communications mourns passing of Founder and CEO Ted Rogers

Visionary business icon, philanthropist, family man and proud Canadian TORONTO, Dec. 2 /CNW/ - It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors of Rogers Communications Inc. announces the death of our colleague, leader and friend, Edward Samuel "Ted" Rogers, the founder of the company, a visionary communications industry pioneer and an icon in Canadian business. He was 75.

Mr. Rogers, known for his indefatigable drive, built Rogers Communications into a Canadian and North American leader in wireless telecommunications, cable television, broadcasting, publishing and more. Mr. Rogers' name is synonymous with innovative, high-quality communications products across Canada, products that improved and simplified the everyday lives of Canadians.

"We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Loretta and all of the Rogers family for this loss," said Alan Horn, Chairman of Rogers Communications and acting CEO. "Ted Rogers was one of a kind who built this company from one FM radio station into Canada's largest wireless, cable and media company. A leader also in giving to the community through his and Loretta's many philanthropic initiatives. He will be sadly missed."

Phil Lind, Rogers Vice-Chairman, worked alongside Mr. Rogers for almost 40 years. "Our sincerest condolences to Loretta, the children and the grandchildren. He will be missed by so many. Though Ted was relentless in business and building this company over the years, he was also very much a family man. His impact on family, community and country was as impressive as his business success," Mr. Lind said.

Mr. Rogers, who suffered from congestive heart failure, saw his health weaken over the past few years. He was surrounded by loved ones when he died at his home in Toronto. Mr. Rogers' successor as Chief Executive Officer will be addressed by the Rogers Communications Inc. Board of Directors which intends to form a special committee to lead a search considering internal and external candidates. In the meantime, Alan Horn, Chairman of Rogers Communications Inc., will continue to serve as acting Chief Executive Officer and lead the company's office of the president. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.

About the company: Rogers is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are engaged in wireless voice and data communications services through Wireless, Canada's largest wireless provider and the operator of the country's only national GSM/HSPA based network. Through Cable, we are one of Canada's largest providers of cable television services as well as high-speed Internet access and telephony services. Through Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit www.rogers.com. %SEDAR: 00003765E

For further information: Jan Innes, Vice President, Communications, Rogers Communications Inc., (416) 935-3525

Ted Rogers, owner of Toronto Blue Jays, dies at 75

Associated Press

Updated: December 2, 2008, 11:13 AM ET

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TORONTO -- Ted Rogers, owner of the Toronto Blue Jays, died at his home on Monday. He was 75.

The founder of Rogers Communications Inc., Canada's largest cable television and mobile phone company, was treated in October for an existing heart condition, the company said Tuesday.

Rogers Communications owns the Blue Jays and their home at the Rogers Centre, several television stations and an array of other media properties including Maclean's and Chatelaine magazines.

"Ted Rogers was one of a kind who built this company from one FM radio station into Canada's largest wireless, cable and media company," said Rogers Communications chairman and acting chief executive officer Alan Horn.

Rogers, one of Canada's wealthiest people, earlier handed over his corporate duties to Horn.

Rogers bought the Blue Jays in 2000. This year, he arranged for the Buffalo Bills to play eight games over five years in Toronto.

After making an early investment in wireless technology, his company eventually became Canada's largest cell phone company. Rogers Communications is worth about $18 billion and has 24,000 employees.

In 1991, Rogers was chosen an officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country's top honors.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta, and four children.