Rogers shuts down Calgary radio stations Sportsnet 960 and 660 NewsRadio without notice
Rogers closed Sportsnet 960 and 660 NewsRadio in Calgary on Monday, ending local sports coverage and talk programming immediately.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rogers abruptly shut down Sportsnet 960 and 660 NewsRadio in Calgary on Monday, eliminating local sports coverage and talk programming with no advance notice to staff, listeners, or the Calgary Flames.
The closure means the Flames, Wranglers, and Hitmen will have no radio broadcasts. Daily shows including Flames Talk, Sportsnet Today 960, and the Big Show with Rusic and Rose have ended immediately.
The move stunned the Flames organization, media partners, and radio workers across the country. Rogers simultaneously closed six stations nationally — two in Calgary plus outlets in other cities — as part of what the company described as a restructuring.
For Flames fans, alternative coverage now exists through podcasts. Flames Nation's Barnburner podcast features familiar voices from the former station, including Dean "Boomer" Molberg, Ryan Pinder, and former NHL defenceman Rhett Warrener, who hosted "Boomer in the Morning" for years. Other options include Locked on Flames, which uploads several times per week, and Fireside Chat, hosted by Dan Stephenson and Matt Duborg, covering roster, prospects, and trade rumours.
The closures have sparked concern among media professionals and academics about the loss of local journalism. Professors and independent journalists have raised alarms about declining Canadian media voices and the impact on community connection.
