ANTIGUA (June 19) – Distinguished Barbadian journalist Julian Rogers has been appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his outstanding contributions to journalism in the Caribbean.
Known across the Caribbean as an outstanding broadcaster, journalist, media manager, publisher, consultant, trainer and entrepreneur who has done pioneering work in radio branding, programming, production and presentation, Rogers established a reputation as one of the finest media practitioners in the region. He has also been the moderator and facilitator of several conferences and meetings across the region under the auspices of international, regional and national organizations.
“Julian is truly an iconic figure who commands respect and admiration across the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. He has mentored many and has always led with an almost religious adherence to the tenets of great broadcasting. I propose a Caribbean-wide celebration,” said Clive Bacchus, president of the Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers.
Rogers has served in several media capacities across the Caribbean for more than 50 years, starting at age 16 at Barbados Rediffusion Service.
Rogers is managing director of MEDIAROGERS.AG Inc., a company he established in Antigua and Barbuda to manage radio and television operations and provide media consultancy services.
Before this, he served as general manager of the Observer Media Group in Antigua and Barbuda, managing two radio stations and the Daily Observer.
Rogers was general manager of Prime Radio 106, the first radio station owned by what is now known as One Caribbean Media in Trinidad and Tobago. During a three-year period, he was a member of the executive team that oversaw the operations of the Trinidad Express, CCN TV 6 and other entities grouped under the then Caribbean Communications Network.
In the 1970s, Rogers headed the English-language service of Radio Antilles, which at that time was the most powerful radio station in the region with a Pan-Caribbean audience. The Montserrat-based station was a pioneer in news gathering, with correspondents across the Caribbean and a news team comprised of the best journalists of the region.
His radio management experience included his work as programme director of ZDK Radio in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as Voice of Barbados and CBC Radio in Barbados.
Rogers’ list of accolades are numerous, including service as a member of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee of Caricom on the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy. He also was the voice of the public awareness program for the launch of the Caribbean Court of Justice.
As a trainer, Rogers has had an impact on a whole generation of broadcasters and journalists in many Caribbean countries.