95.7 NewsRadio in Kitchener has gone silent after broadcasting for decades in Waterloo Region, as part of a wave of station closures by Rogers Communications. The shutdown, announced on July 7, 2026, eliminates a longstanding local news voice in the community.
Rogers Closures Hit Multiple Markets
The Kitchener station is among several shuttered by Rogers, including 95.7 NewsRadio in Halifax, which was taken off the air with a statement calling it a 'difficult but necessary decision.' The closures reflect ongoing consolidation in Canadian radio, where declining advertising revenue and shifts to digital media have pressured traditional broadcasters.
Rogers Communications, which owns the stations, did not provide specific reasons for the Kitchener closure beyond the broader restructuring. The company has been cutting costs amid competition from streaming services and podcasting.
Impact on Local News Coverage
The loss of 95.7 NewsRadio reduces local news availability in Kitchener-Waterloo, an area that already relies on a limited number of radio outlets for community information. The station had been a source for traffic, weather, and local updates for decades.
'It's a real blow to the community,' said a former employee who spoke on condition of anonymity. 'We were the go-to for breaking news in the region, and now that's gone.' The closure leaves listeners with fewer options for locally produced content, as other stations in the area face similar pressures.
Broader Trends in Canadian Radio
The shuttering follows a pattern of radio station closures across Canada, with major owners like Bell Media and Rogers reducing footprints. In recent years, stations in smaller markets have been particularly vulnerable, as advertisers favor larger audiences and digital platforms.
According to a 2025 report by the Canadian Media Concentration Research Project, over 40 radio stations have closed or been sold since 2020, with local news programming often the first to be cut. The trend raises concerns about media diversity and access to reliable local journalism.
Community Response
Local officials and listeners expressed disappointment. Waterloo Region Chair Karen Redman said in a statement, 'We lose an important part of our community fabric when a longtime broadcaster goes silent. We hope Rogers will consider alternative ways to serve this region.'
Listeners took to social media to mourn the station, with many recalling its role during emergencies like the 2023 flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure leaves a gap in emergency alert dissemination, as radio remains a key channel for official warnings.
