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Ted Rogers
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Cleveland native and Cornell University alumnus Edward A. “Ted” Rogers was a broadcast executive for a California ad agency in 1950 when he was hired by Richard Nixon to help with personal appearances and TV interviews. He is credited with saving Nixon’s political career in 1952 by writing the infamous “Checkers” speech that kept him on as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s running mate.
Early in his career, Ted worked for NBC television as an executive with the network’s “Today” show. He was also a marketing director for Playboy magazine and an executive with Metromedia’s WNEW in New York.
In 1972, he partnered with Carroll Newton to form Sarasota Radio Company. Together they bought WSAF-AM 1220 and changed it to big band/MOR WQSA. The purchase also included a construction permit for an FM on 102.5, which they turned into the highly successful progressive rock Quad 102½ WQSR. The two eventually parted with both stations – WQSR to Cosmos Broadcasting in 1979 and WQSA to Nova Broadcasting in 2002.
Rogers was active in Sarasota civic and community affairs for many years and died there following a long illness on March 13, 2003 at the age of 82.
Station History
1972 - 2002 Other Tampa Bay Area Stations (Management)
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