MEDIA EXECUTIVE

Tom Rogers is one of the most powerful media and business executives in the world.
His nomination for Distinguished Alumnus by Irving Sloan and the friendship between the two men speaks volumes. From the beginning Rogers, whose father graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1943, was a leader. He understood what made SHS tick and in 1972 was elected President of his class. I don’t know whether Rogers is proud of this moment in his administration or not, but the entertainment for his senior prom was Chubby Checker.

After high school, Rogers attended Wesleyan University and then Columbia Law School. After a brief stint on Wall Street, he became Senior Counsel to a subcommittee of the House of Representatives and, in that role drafted the Cable Act of 1984. Working in the relatively new area of cable fascinated Rogers, and, because of his expertise from his government service he was offered a position as President of NBC Cable and Executive Vice President of NBC. From there he launched CNBC and MSNBC.

In 1999, Rogers became Chairman & CEO of Primedia. From that position he oversaw History Channel, Arts & Entertainment, Court TV, Bravo and the National Geographic Channel. He also was responsible for New York Magazine, Seventeen, Motor Trend and Channel One. Because of the admiration with which he is held by his peers, Rogers has been asked to help resolve some controversies involving media companies.
In 2003, Mayor Bloomberg asked him to serve as mediator in a dispute between the YES Network and Cablevision.

Two years ago Rogers was made Chief Executive Officer, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of TiVo. Tune in!