Rogers Sports & Media has pulled the plug on 95.7 NewsRadio in Halifax, describing the move as a 'difficult but necessary decision' as the company restructures its radio operations. The station, which broadcast from the Young Tower at 6080 Young St., went silent on July 7, 2026, according to an announcement by Bill Dicks of CTV News Atlantic.
Broader Cuts Across Canada
The Halifax closure is part of a larger wave of layoffs and station shutdowns by Rogers. Earlier this year, the company shuttered two Vancouver radio stations—Sportsnet 960 and 660 News—and laid off hundreds of employees nationwide. The cuts reflect ongoing challenges in the traditional radio industry as audiences shift to digital platforms.
In a statement, Rogers said the decision was made to 'align our resources with where our audiences are growing.' The company did not specify how many jobs were affected in Halifax, but the layoffs are part of a broader restructuring that has impacted multiple markets.
Community Impact and Reactions
95.7 NewsRadio had been a staple for news and talk programming in Halifax, serving listeners with local updates, weather, and traffic. The sudden closure has left many in the community disappointed. 'It's a loss for local news coverage,' said one former listener. 'We relied on that station for quick updates.'
Industry analysts note that the decline of AM and FM radio has accelerated in recent years, with advertising revenue migrating to streaming and podcasting. Rogers has been investing in its digital properties, including the CityNews brand and podcast networks, but the pace of change has forced tough choices.
Unions and Employees Affected
Unite Here, the union representing some Rogers media workers, criticized the lack of notice. 'Employees were blindsided,' a union representative said. 'These are experienced broadcasters who now face an uncertain future.' Rogers has offered severance packages and outplacement services, but the union says more should be done to support displaced workers.
The closure of 95.7 NewsRadio leaves Halifax with fewer local radio news options. Other stations, such as CBC Radio One and commercial competitors, continue to operate, but the loss of a dedicated news/talk station reduces diversity in the market.
Future of Radio in Canada
Rogers' decision mirrors trends across the industry. In recent years, Bell Media, Corus Entertainment, and other broadcasters have also cut radio jobs and closed stations. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has been reviewing radio regulations, but critics say more needs to be done to ensure local news survives.
For now, the 95.7 frequency in Halifax is silent. Rogers has not announced plans to sell the license or repurpose the frequency. 'This is a sad day for Halifax radio,' the former employee concluded. 'We hope something can fill the void.'
