Politics
Politics

GPB feeling the heat after hiring Chip Rogers

By Kristina Torres
Jan 30, 2013

The arrival of political heavyweight Chip Rogers to a newly-minted, six-figure job at Georgia Public Broadcasting is casting a harsh glare on a staid state institution best known for wonky programming and pledge drives.

Gov. Nathan Deal played matchmaker between Rogers and GPB’s president, Teya Ryan – although he disavowed any direct involvement in the hire, which removed a lawmaker some viewed as a liability. Officials confirmed that Rogers’ $150,000 salary will be paid by the state.

The dollar figure has outraged at least one veteran GPB staffer and a vocal handful of donors. Even the chairman of GPB’s board told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Rogers is being overpaid.

It’s intrigue worthy of the public broadcasting’s hit period drama, Downton Abbey, and GPB is squirming under the sudden scrutiny.

Subscribers can read the full exclusive story in either the print edition or our new, reader-friendly digital editions. Get our in-depth local news coverage on your tablet and laptop in the same page-by-page format as our print newspaper.

About the Author

Kristina Torres
More Stories

Keep Reading

Georgia Lt. Gov. Lester Maddox, angry about an article, burns a copy of The Atlanta Constitution in the state Senate on March 10, 1971, saying the paper did not have the "guts, integrity, manhood or decency" to report the situation accurately. (AJC file)

Credit: AP FILE

‘Fish wrapper’: The AJC’s complicated relationship with Georgia’s political class

How generations of Georgia leaders battled, berated and depended on the AJC.

A viral confrontation and a sudden resignation shake up Georgia GOP

The man behind the vigilante sting operation that apparently netted a teenage GOP official says he has no regrets.

Groups tied to First Liberty accused of campaign finance violations

Two Republican groups linked to the defunct First Liberty Building & Loan likely sought to illegally influence Georgia elections, the State Ethics Commission charged Thursday.

The Latest

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

A viral confrontation and a sudden resignation shake up Georgia GOP

‘Fish wrapper’: The AJC’s complicated relationship with Georgia’s political class

Groups tied to First Liberty accused of campaign finance violations

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Local GOP sees ‘danger’ in a chaotic race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican leaders in Georgia's 14th Congressional District worry a crowded field in a special election could give Democrats a chance to win.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Two centennials, one story: Delta and the Atlanta airport

Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson both turn 100 this year, and you can’t tell the story of one without the other.