Canadian broadcasting pioneer Philip B. Lind is being remembered as a “legend” in the wake of his death.

Lind died Sunday (Aug. 20) at age 80, as announced by Rogers Communications, where he worked for 54 years.

He was considered the right hand man of Rogers’ late chairman and CEO Ted Rogers – so much so that he titled his 2018 memoir by the moniker.

However, Lind was a business leader in his own right, spearheading the creation of the Rogers Group of Funds – which has provided more than $676 million to the Canadian film and TV sector since 1980, according to its website – and the Cable Public Affairs Channel, better known as CPAC.

“We have truly lost an industry great and a legend,” said Rogers Group of Funds executive director Robin Mirsky in a statement to Playback Daily. “Phil was instrumental in the creation of the Rogers Group of Funds and had been a vocal advocate for Canada’s independent television and film sector. On a personal note, he was an incredible friend and mentor who will be sorely missed.”

Added CPAC CEO Christa Dickenson: “In 1992 Phil had the vision to create an independent broadcaster committed to bringing Canadians closer to their democratic institutions – a service that is needed now more than ever. Phil remained steadfastly committed to CPAC and its mission as the indispensable voice of democracy in Canada for over 31 years. He was serving as board chair when he passed.”

Lind retired from his post as EVP of regulatory affairs at Rogers in 2014, but remained on its board of directors until his death. He “has been involved in every key decision in the company’s history,” according to chair Edward Rogers, as recently as the Shaw acquisition, but also spanning the purchase of Sportsnet and the Toronto Blue Jays.

“One thing about Ted Rogers was that if he had $100 million or $200 million in his pocket, he was damn well going to go out there and spend it as quickly as possible,” Lind told Playback in a 2018 interview about his memoir. “He never saved a nickel, it was always about putting back into growing the system, growing the company.”

“Phil Lind’s career is a true model for all of us,” said Canadian Association of Broadcasters president Kevin Desjardins. “A universally respected leader and innovator who relentlessly kept Canada’s broadcasting and media industries moving forward, Phil was a mentor and friend to many at Rogers and with their competitors. His impact on the sector and on our country is truly unparalleled.”

Lind’s honours include an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2002 and an induction into the U.S. Cable Hall of Fame in 2012. He also received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the University of British Columbia (UBC), as well as the Ontario College of Art & Design University.

“Phil has been a constant steady force for over five decades,” concluded Edward Rogers in the announcement of Lind’s death. “We will miss his deep devotion, relentless determination, and sage counsel.”

Image courtesy of Rogers Communications