Rogers Sports and Media shuttered six radio stations across Canada on Tuesday, including Calgary's Sportsnet 960 and 660 News, resulting in 230 job losses. The closures were announced as part of a restructuring by the telecommunications giant.
Stations affected across multiple markets
The affected stations include Sportsnet 960 and 660 News in Calgary, as well as 95.7 NewsRadio in Halifax. Other stations in different markets were also closed, though Rogers did not provide a complete list immediately. The cuts represent a significant reduction in Rogers' radio footprint.
According to Rogers, the decision was described as a "difficult but necessary" move to adapt to changing listener habits and economic pressures in the broadcasting industry.
Job losses and industry impact
The 230 employees affected include on-air personalities, producers, and support staff. Many took to social media to express shock and sadness at the sudden closures. The move follows a trend of consolidation and downsizing in Canadian media, as advertising revenue shifts to digital platforms.
"This is a devastating day for local radio and for the talented people who dedicated their careers to serving Calgary listeners," said one industry observer, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Broader context of media restructuring
Rogers has been streamlining its media operations, including earlier cuts to television and print divisions. The company noted that some programming may continue online or through other Rogers platforms, but the terrestrial radio signals have gone silent.
Listeners in Calgary were greeted with dead air or automated messages on Tuesday morning. The closures leave a gap in sports talk and news radio coverage in the city.
