Rogers Shuts Down Six Radio Stations, Cuts 230 Jobs Across Canada

Rogers Sports & Media has shut down six radio stations across Canada effective today, eliminating 230 jobs as the company restructures its radio operations amid declining audiences and advertising revenue.

The closures include Calgary stations 660 NewsRadio and Sportsnet 960, along with Vancouver stations News 1130 and Sportsnet 650. Stations in Halifax and Kitchener have also been closed.

About 80 radio employees are losing their jobs, while another 150 positions across Rogers’ corporate and media operations are also being eliminated.

Rogers said the decision followed a review of its radio business and reflects changing market conditions. The shutdowns bring an end to decades of local news and sports programming, with some employees reportedly learning about the closures through recorded messages aired on their stations.

The company says it will continue operating 44 radio stations in nearly 30 Canadian communities. Rogers will maintain some sports coverage, including Vancouver Canucks broadcasts, but will no longer produce Calgary Flames radio broadcasts.

The closures have raised concerns among media experts about the impact on local journalism in Canada. Critics say the loss of community news outlets could worsen “news poverty,” reduce public accountability and create more room for misinformation.

Industry research shows Canada has lost nearly 200 local news outlets since 2008, including newspapers, radio and television operations, highlighting ongoing challenges facing local journalism.