The decision by Rogers Sports & Media to shut down six local news and sports radio stations across Canada has sparked an outpouring of grief, frustration and criticism from politicians, broadcasters, former employees and listeners.
What to know
- Rogers Sports & Media has shut down six radio stations in Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax and Kitchener.
- The closures eliminated 230 jobs, including 80 positions tied directly to the affected stations.
- Politicians, journalists and listeners are criticizing the decision and mourning the loss of local journalism.
- Rogers says the closures were driven by declining audience and revenue trends.
On Tuesday, Rogers announced it was closing News 1130 Vancouver, 660 NewsRadio Calgary, 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, NewsRadio Halifax, Sportsnet 650 Vancouver and Sportsnet 960 Calgary, affecting 80 employees at those stations as part of 230 job cuts across Rogers Sports & Media.
The announcement quickly prompted reactions from across the country, with many lamenting another blow to local journalism and Canadian radio.
‘Local journalism matters’: Marit stiles leads the backlash
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles was among the first political leaders to respond, calling the closures a loss for local communities.
“Local journalism matters. When companies put their profits over people, and the work they do to keep their communities informed, it’s a major loss for all of us.
I’m sending my thoughts to everyone at 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, and everyone who is losing a key local news outlet,” Stiles posted on X.
‘Absolutely gutted’: More reactions pour in
Former Sportsnet 960 employee Cameron Hughes reflected on the station where he spent nearly four years.
“I’m endlessly proud of the work we did at @Sportsnet960 in the nearly four years I was a part of it. A place to hear instant reactions to trades, signings, drafts, and everything sports,” Hughes posted on X.
Broadcaster Tara Slone also expressed support for colleagues affected by the layoffs.
“So many of our amazing colleagues in media have lost their jobs today. One of the shittiest things is that on top of losing their livelihoods, these people who have worked SO hard for their company never get a simple ‘thank you for all you’ve done’. This is a nasty business. 💔”
Listeners threaten to cancel Rogers services
Many listeners also voiced frustration, with some saying the closures had prompted them to reconsider their relationship with the company.
“I feel sick hearing this news. Not that they care but as a @Rogers customer (formerly Shaw) I’m ditching all their services. I’ve been thinking of doing this since the Shaw takeover and this is the final nail in the coffin,” a social media user posted on X.
Another listener criticized Rogers for closing stations they said thousands relied on.
“What a bunch of crap. I listen to 650 and 1130 all the time and so do thousands of other people. Rogers Communications make so much money. I’m cancelling my Sportsnet. This is absolute crap and a slap in the face to a Vancouver sports and News fan.”
Why Rogers says it made the cuts
Rogers said the closures followed “a thorough review” of its radio operations and were driven by declining audiences and advertising revenue.
“After a thorough review of our radio stations across the country, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close Sportsnet 650 and News 1130 in Vancouver. We are grateful to our listeners and to our team for their contributions to the local community.”
The company has said it will continue operating 44 radio stations across nearly 30 communities and maintain local news coverage through CityNews platforms and station websites.
