Rogers shuts down six news radio stations across Canada, cutting 230 jobs

Rogers Sports & Media shut down six local news and sports radio stations across Canada on Tuesday, eliminating 230 jobs — 80 of them directly at the affected stations.

Closed outlets include News 1130 Vancouver, 660 NewsRadio Calgary, 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, NewsRadio Halifax, Sportsnet 650 Vancouver, and Sportsnet 960 Calgary. The company cited declining audiences and advertising revenue as the reason.

The announcement sparked swift backlash from politicians, journalists, and listeners. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles called it "a major loss for all of us." "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," she posted on X.

Former Sportsnet 960 employee Cameron Hughes reflected on nearly four years at the station: "I'm endlessly proud of the work we did... A place to hear instant reactions to trades, signings, drafts, and everything sports."

Listeners threatened to cancel Rogers services in response. Some noted the closure as a final straw following the company's acquisition of Shaw. Rogers said it will continue operating 44 radio stations across nearly 30 communities and maintain local news coverage through CityNews platforms and station websites. In Toronto, 680 NewsRadio and Sportsnet 590 The Fan will continue broadcasting.