UNFORGETTABLE SAGAS, SCOOPS AND SCANDALS from Toronto Life’slong-form archives Dear Reader, The deadline is looming for the proposed mega-merger of telecommunications giants Rogers and Shaw. Before they can close the $26-billion deal, the companies must get the final green-light from Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne. They’re now hoping it comes before February 17 (although Champagne has said that he’s not in any particular hurry). If the merger goes through as expected, it will mark another big victory for Rogers chair Edward Jr. The first came in 2021, when he finally wrested control of his family’s empire after more than a decade of manoeuvring and being passed over as CEO. This week, we revisit a 2014 feature that details how Edward’s battle for power began with his father’s death, in 2008—and why it never really stopped. —Lauren McKeon, deputy editor Inside the ruthless battle for control of the $34-billion Rogers empire BY KELLY PULLEN | OCTOBER 16, 2014 Ted Rogers was a visionary entrepreneur. The legendary founder’s fingerprints were all over his business: he was Rogers Communications. And, for better or worse, he’d instilled a similar sense of proprietorship in his son, Edward, who expected to run the family empire after his father’s death. The question for everybody—including Ted, the Rogers board, company execs and Bay Street—was whether he was ready to replace his father as CEO. In this sweeping feature, Kelly Pullen chronicled the board’s contentious decision to squeeze Edward out, laying the groundwork for the epic succession battle that followed. FEBRUARY 2023: SECOND CITY, THE EARLY YEARS Fifty years ago, the launch of Second City Toronto catalyzed a big bang of Canadian comic talent. Its star-studded cast redefined what’s funny, won back-to-back Emmys for their spin-off television series, SCTV, and cemented Toronto’s image as a comedy capital. Our February issue features exclusive interviews with early cast members—Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis, Joe Flaherty, Dave Thomas and Robin Duke—about the group’s lasting influence. If you’re still not receiving Toronto Life at home, what are you waiting for? Subscribe today. |