Rogers Sports & Media has announced the closure of six radio stations in Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, and Kitchener, resulting in the elimination of 230 jobs. The company stated that 80 individuals directly employed by the shuttered stations will lose their jobs, with the remaining 150 positions encompassing corporate roles such as sales, marketing, and a few positions in TV and radio. Additionally, a small number of jobs outside the media division will also be affected.
The decision to close the stations was described as “difficult but necessary” following a comprehensive review of their radio stations nationwide. Stations affected include Sportsnet 650 and News 1130 in Vancouver, as well as 660 NewsRadio Calgary and Sportsnet 960 in Alberta. Listeners in Vancouver were greeted with a recorded message on News 1130 and reruns on Sportsnet 650. NewsRadio Halifax and NewsRadio Kitchener are also among the stations set to close.
Upon learning of the closure of his station while en route to work, News 1130 traffic reporter Alexander Carrigan expressed uncertainty in processing the news. He emphasized the significance of the traffic service and the station’s loyal news listeners. British Columbia Premier David Eby lamented the closures on social media, underscoring the importance of local news outlets.
Jeffrey Dvorkin, former director of the journalism program at the University of Toronto, noted that the media landscape is shifting towards satisfying shareholders, with Rogers likely aiming to consolidate its media platforms. Rogers cited declining audience and revenue trends as reasons for the closures, mentioning low audience figures for over-the-air sports radio in Vancouver and Calgary.
According to April Lindgren, co-director of the Local News Research Project at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Canadians are facing “news poverty” due to ongoing cuts in the media industry. Lindgren’s research revealed a net loss of nearly 200 local news outlets in Canada since 2008, impacting democracy by limiting access to reliable information and accountability for leaders.
Rogers confirmed that radio production of Canucks games will be moved to another station within its network, while the production of Calgary Flames games for radio will not proceed. The company assured that Sportsnet 590 in Toronto and 44 other radio stations across Canada will continue operating. This decision follows Rogers Communications’ acquisition of full ownership of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, for $4.35 billion.