2005 Inductee
Possessing a shrewd business sense and a keen eye for talent, both on and off camera, Roger Ogden is arguably the Icon in Denver television news. Recently named President and CEO of the Gannett Broadcasting Division, Roger’s talent for leadership, journalistic excellence, visionary management and community relations is legendary.
A Colorado native, Roger’s first television experience came at KBTV (now KUSA) in 1968, working as a reporter, part-time anchor, assignment editor and managing news director. In 1977 he took a job as a news director at WLKY in Louisville, KY – moving back to Denver the following year as news director at KUSA. From 1981-95 he was the President and GM of KOA-TV (then affiliated with NBC) and focused so intently on news that he had the call letters changed to KCNC – Colorado’s News Channel. It was during this time that Roger’s commitment to local news and to serving the community began to set the standard in local television: coverage of the Bolder Boulder 10K race, adding morning news, afternoon news, expanding newscasts, telecasts of local high school and college sports.
For two years he was President and GM of NBC Europe in London, returning to Denver and KUSA in 1997 as President and GM of Gannett-owned 9News. His belief in hard competition and good sportsmanship set the tone for the market. His focus on innovation and technology has resulted in KUSA being one of three stations in the country broadcasting local news in HDTV. His legacy of leadership includes innovative new community-oriented programs, dedication to news, and team building. In addition, he is one of the founding GMs of the Heartland Chapter, and a strong supporter of the Colorado Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame and the Colorado Broadcasters Association. He resides in Denver with his wife, Anne, and family.